Description
This high protein rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta is a quick, balanced dinner made with lean shredded chicken, whole wheat pasta, and broccoli. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s packed with protein, fiber, and flavor.
Ingredients
8 ounces whole wheat short pasta (penne or rotini)
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken, skin removed
2 cups small broccoli florets (fresh or thawed)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Splash of reserved pasta cooking water, as needed
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just tender. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add broccoli florets to the pan, season with a pinch of salt, and cook for 4–5 minutes until bright green and tender.
4. Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and cook for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
5. Add the drained pasta to the pan. Sprinkle with Parmesan, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
6. Toss everything together, adding small splashes of pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or cheese. Serve hot.
Notes
Cut the broccoli into evenly sized small pieces for quicker cooking and better texture.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melt.
Add a spoonful of pasta water when reheating leftovers to keep the sauce smooth.
Try swapping in chickpea or lentil pasta to boost protein even more.
Add cherry tomatoes or spinach at the end for extra color and nutrients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg