High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta is the answer to hungry kids, tight budgets, and zero spare time. Tender rotisserie chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and protein-boosted pasta swim in a light cheddar-Parmesan sauce that tastes like comfort food but fuels like a gym meal. Everything cooks in the same Dutch oven, so cleanup is a one-wipe affair. If you love my Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, you’ll flip for this lighter, veggie-packed cousin.
★★★★½ 4.5 (111 reviews)
Why You'll Love High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta – Easy One-Pot Family Dinner
High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta packs 38 g protein per creamy, cheesy bowl and uses one pot & 40 minutes—perfect for weeknights & meal prep.
- 38 g protein per serving thanks to high-protein pasta and chicken
- One-pot, 40-minute dinner—no fancy skills needed
- Rotisserie chicken & pantry staples keep it budget-friendly
- Broccoli adds color, crunch, and sneaky veggies even picky eaters accept
Ingredients
High-protein pasta: chickpea or red-lentil gives 23 g protein per 2 oz dry; swap whole-wheat if that’s what you haveRotisserie chicken: store-bought saves time; leftover grilled turkey works tooBroccoli: fresh keeps texture; frozen florets (thaw & squeeze dry) are fine in a pinchMilk: 2% keeps it creamy without heavy cream; use oat milk for dairy-light
- High-protein pasta: chickpea or red-lentil gives 23 g protein per 2 oz dry; swap whole-wheat if that’s what you have
- Rotisserie chicken: store-bought saves time; leftover grilled turkey works too
- Broccoli: fresh keeps texture; frozen florets (thaw & squeeze dry) are fine in a pinch
- Milk: 2% keeps it creamy without heavy cream; use oat milk for dairy-light
Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
Instructions
Toast Pasta: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium. Add dry pasta; toast 2 min for nutty flavor.
Simmer: Stir in broth, milk, garlic, onion powder, paprika. Bring to boil, reduce to low, cover & simmer 9 min, stirring twice.
Add Broccoli: Scatter broccoli on top, cover, cook 4 min more until pasta is al dente and liquid thickens.
Expert Tips for High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta – Easy One-Pot Family Dinner
- Don’t overcook—high-protein pasta turns mushy fast; stop at al dente
- Shred your own cheese; pre-shredded coatings can make sauce grainy
- Save the rotisserie carcass for tomorrow’s stock
High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta – Easy One-Pot Family Dinner
High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta packs 38 g protein per creamy, cheesy bowl and uses one pot & 40 minutes—perfect for weeknights & meal prep.
★★★★½ 4.5 (111 reviews)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups dry high-protein chickpea or lentil pasta (8 oz)
- 2 cups chopped rotisserie chicken, skin removed
- 3 cups small broccoli florets
- 1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3/4 cup 2% milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar (4 oz)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Extra Parmesan & chopped parsley
Instructions
How to Make High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
- Toast Pasta: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium. Add dry pasta; toast 2 min for nutty flavor.
- Simmer: Stir in broth, milk, garlic, onion powder, paprika. Bring to boil, reduce to low, cover & simmer 9 min, stirring twice.
- Add Broccoli: Scatter broccoli on top, cover, cook 4 min more until pasta is al dente and liquid thickens.
- Finish & Serve: Fold in chicken and cheeses until melted and creamy. Season, rest 5 min, sprinkle parsley, serve hot.
Nutrition
Calories: 485 kcal | Protein: 38 g
Storage
- Fridge: up to 3 days
- Freezer: not recommended
- Reheat: best fresh
FAQs
Can I make High Protein Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta ahead of time?
Yes—cook through step 2, cool, and refrigerate. Finish step 3-4 with fresh broccoli and cheeses when ready to serve.
What’s the best substitute for high-protein pasta?
Whole-wheat penne plus 1/2 cup canned white beans stirred in at the end gives similar protein.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in airtight container up to 4 days refrigerated or 2 months frozen.
Why did my sauce turn out dry?
Pasta absorbed liquid; add warm broth a splash at a time while reheating until creamy again.