✅ Ingredients:
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 1 rotisserie chicken, meat shredded
- 2 cups creamy Alfredo sauce
- 1 1/2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
✅ Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the rigatoni in a large pot of boiling salted water for about 3-4 minutes less than the package directions to keep it slightly undercooked. Add the broccoli florets in the last 3 minutes of cooking to soften them.
- Drain the pasta and broccoli, then transfer them to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add the shredded rotisserie chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the dish. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Top the mixture with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
🍽️ Variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for a vegetarian twist.
- Different Pasta: Swap rigatoni with penne, ziti, or even bowtie pasta for variety.
- Cheese Options: You can replace mozzarella with gouda or cheddar for a different cheesy flavor. You could also add some cream cheese for extra richness.
- Meat Swap: Use turkey or sausage in place of chicken for a different flavor profile.
🔧 Tips:
- Chicken Substitution: If you don’t have a rotisserie chicken, you can cook and shred your own chicken breast or thighs. For extra flavor, season the chicken before cooking.
- Alfredo Sauce: For a lighter version, use a low-fat Alfredo sauce or even make your own with a combination of milk, butter, and Parmesan.
- Broccoli Texture: If you prefer softer broccoli, steam it separately before adding it to the dish.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Simply reheat it in the oven until hot and bubbly.
- Crispier Topping: For a crispier cheese topping, broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.