High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta: Quick & Delicious Weeknight Meal!

You know those weeknights when you’re staring into the fridge, completely uninspired, and dangerously close to ordering takeout for the third time this week? We’ve all been there. What if I told you that you could whip up a delicious, satisfying, and seriously high-protein meal in about 30 minutes with a little help from a grocery store superhero? Yes, I’m talking about the humble rotisserie chicken.

This High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is my go-to for a reason. It’s one of those rotisserie chicken meals that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to pack in the protein without spending hours in the kitchen. IMO, it’s the perfect answer to the “what’s for dinner?” dilemma.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe

Let’s be real, life is busy. Finding easy dinner recipes for the family (that aren’t just more pasta) can feel like a quest for the Holy Grail. This dish, however, is a game-changer.

• It’s lightning-fast. We’re talking a dinner idea that’s ready in 30 minutes or less. Thank you, pre-cooked chicken!
• It’s packed with protein. Protein is crucial for everything from muscle repair to keeping you feeling full and satisfied. This meal will keep those hunger pangs at bay.
• It’s a meal on a budget. Rotisserie chickens are incredibly cost-effective, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples. This is a great option for healthy cheap meals for one or the whole family.
• It’s customizable. Don’t have broccoli? Use another veggie. Want to spice it up? Add some red pepper flakes. You’re the boss of this pasta dish.

The Power of a High-Protein Dinner

Ever wonder why everyone is so obsessed with protein? It’s not just for bodybuilders, FYI. Getting enough protein in your diet has some pretty amazing benefits.

For starters, protein helps with satiety, which is a fancy way of saying it keeps you feeling full and satisfied. This can be a huge help if you’re trying to manage your weight. It also plays a vital role in building and repairing tissues in your body. So, after a tough workout or a long day, a high-protein meal can help your body recover.

This recipe is a fantastic way to boost your protein intake without resorting to boring chicken breasts and steamed veggies. It’s one of those protein dinners for the family that everyone will actually be excited to eat.

Let’s Get Cooking: The Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece. I’ve kept it simple because, let’s face it, no one has time for a mile-long ingredient list on a Tuesday night.

For the Pasta:

• 8 ounces of your favorite pasta: I like using a short pasta like penne or fusilli, but honestly, use whatever you have on hand. Whole wheat pasta is a great option for some extra fiber.
• 2 cups of broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen will work just fine.
• 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken: This is our magical shortcut ingredient.
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil: For sautéing our delicious aromatics.
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better.

For the Creamy Protein Sauce:

• 1 cup of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese: This is our secret weapon for a creamy, high-protein sauce without all the heavy cream. If you use cottage cheese, I recommend blending it for a smoother consistency.
• 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water: The starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
• 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese: For that essential cheesy, salty flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t be shy with the seasoning!

Step-by-Step Instructions: Your Path to Dinner Glory

Ready to make some magic happen? Here’s how you’ll bring this delicious meal to life.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

First things first, get a large pot of salted water boiling. Once it’s bubbling away, add your pasta and cook it according to the package directions. About two minutes before the pasta is done, toss in your broccoli florets. This will cook them to a perfect tender-crisp without having to use another pot. Who doesn’t love fewer dishes to wash?

Before you drain the pasta and broccoli, be sure to reserve about a cup of the pasta water. This starchy liquid gold is the key to a silky-smooth sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute, or until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, unless you’re a fan of bitter-tasting pasta.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Protein Sauce

Now for the fun part. In a bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt or blended cottage cheese, the reserved pasta water, and the grated Parmesan cheese. Season it generously with salt and pepper. This is your chance to taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the garlic. Pour the creamy sauce over everything and add the shredded rotisserie chicken. Give it all a good stir to make sure everything is coated in that luscious sauce. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until the chicken is heated through.

And just like that, you have a delicious and healthy meal ready to go. See? I told you it was easy.

Variations and Pro Tips to Make It Your Own

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:

• Add more veggies: Mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes would all be fantastic additions.
• Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes will give your pasta a nice kick.
• Make it extra cheesy: Sprinkle some extra Parmesan or even some mozzarella on top before serving.
• Go low-carb: Swap out the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter option.

What About a Crock-Pot Version?

I know some of you are die-hard fans of your slow cookers. While this recipe is designed to be a quick stovetop meal, you could certainly adapt it. For a Crock-Pot rotisserie chicken recipe, I would recommend adding all the sauce ingredients to the slow cooker and letting them warm up on low. Then, about 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the cooked pasta, broccoli, and rotisserie chicken.

Your Questions, Answered

Here are a few common questions I get about this recipe.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is a great meal-prep option. You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. You may need to add a splash of water or milk to loosen up the sauce.

What if I don’t have a rotisserie chicken?

No problem! You can use any cooked chicken you have on hand. This is a great way to use up leftover grilled or baked chicken.

Is this recipe really healthy?

Yes! It’s packed with lean protein, veggies, and you can use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber. The sauce is made with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, which is much lighter than traditional cream-based sauces. It’s a well-balanced meal that will leave you feeling energized and satisfied.

The Final Verdict

This High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a true weeknight warrior. It’s an easy-to-eat meal that’s perfect for the whole family. It’s proof that you don’t need to spend a lot of time or money to create a delicious and nutritious dinner.

So, the next time you’re tempted to reach for that takeout menu, remember this recipe. It’s a simple, satisfying, and delicious way to get a healthy meal on the table in no time. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation.

High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta

A nutritious and delicious pasta dish packed with lean rotisserie chicken, tender broccoli, and a creamy, high-protein Greek yogurt sauce. Quick, filling, and perfect for healthy weeknight dinners!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 410

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 ounces whole wheat or protein pasta penne, rotini, or your choice
• 2 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
• 2 cups rotisserie chicken shredded, skin removed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt 2% or 0% for higher protein
• ½ cup chicken broth low sodium
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
• ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for heat
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Method

 

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
2. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water. Drain pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Reduce heat to low and add the Greek yogurt, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth and warmed through — do not boil or the yogurt may curdle.
5. Add shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
6. Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or cheese as desired.
7. Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For even more protein, use chickpea or lentil pasta. To make it dairy-free, substitute Greek yogurt with a high-protein plant-based yogurt and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. This recipe is also great for meal prep — store in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to preserve the creamy texture.