Rotisserie Chicken Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a perfect balance of convenience and flavor. Using store-bought rotisserie chicken saves time while still delivering a flavorful, juicy protein. The creamy pasta sauce enhances the dish, bringing it all together for a comforting, satisfying meal. Plus, it’s versatile, so you can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand in your kitchen. It’s an all-in-one dinner that can feed a crowd and is sure to become a regular part of your weeknight dinner rotation.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded

• 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or any pasta of choice)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Combine the cream and broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 3-5 minutes to thicken slightly.

4. Add the seasonings: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Add the chicken: Once the sauce has thickened, add the shredded rotisserie chicken to the skillet and stir until the chicken is coated with the sauce. Allow it to heat through, about 2 minutes.

6. Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.

7. Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

1. Vegetable Add-ins: You can add vegetables like spinach, peas, or broccoli to make the dish even more nutritious and colorful.

2. Spicy Chicken Pasta: Add red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce to spice things up if you like a bit of heat.

3. Cheese Variation: Try swapping out the Parmesan for mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor profile.

4. Pasta Alternatives: Use whole wheat pasta, gluten-free pasta, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter version of this dish.

5. Herb Swaps: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or fresh basil for added flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover rotisserie chicken pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creamy texture. You can also microwave individual servings in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

How can I make this recipe lighter?

To make this dish lighter, use a reduced-fat version of the cream, swap out the pasta for zucchini noodles, or use chicken breast instead of rotisserie chicken.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can use any pre-cooked chicken, but rotisserie chicken adds a great depth of flavor and is a time-saver.

What type of pasta is best for this dish?

While penne, fusilli, or farfalle work best due to their shape and ability to hold the sauce, you can use any pasta you prefer.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free cheese option.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the pasta in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly when ready to serve.

Can I use store-bought sauce instead of making my own?

Absolutely! You can use a store-bought Alfredo or cream-based pasta sauce if you’re short on time.

Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?

Yes, frozen vegetables like peas, spinach, or broccoli are great additions and can be added to the sauce during the simmering process.

What other herbs can I use in this recipe?

Fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley would all complement the flavors in this dish. You can also try a pinch of Italian seasoning for an extra burst of flavor.

How do I prevent the pasta from getting soggy when reheating?

To avoid soggy pasta, store the pasta and sauce separately if possible, and only combine them when reheating. This helps maintain the texture of the pasta.

Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?

Yes, you can add crushed red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to make the dish spicy.

Conclusion

Rotisserie chicken pasta is a simple yet delicious dish that combines savory chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s an easy meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something filling and comforting. With endless variations and customization options, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a meal to feed a crowd, this dish is always a hit.

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta

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A quick, flavorful weeknight pasta that transforms rotisserie chicken into a savory, garlic‑herb olive oil sauce tossed with al dente penne for a satisfying meal ready in about 20 minutes.

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Pasta
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

• 1 lb pasta (penne)
• 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 1/4 cup extra‑virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or ground black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning or chopped parsley
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

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Instructions

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to package directions.
• A few minutes before al dente, stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken directly in the boiling pasta to warm it through. Drain pasta and chicken.
• In a saucepan over medium‑high heat, combine olive oil, butter, minced garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes or pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes until garlic is golden but not scorched; add Italian seasoning if using. Turn off heat.
• Toss drained pasta and chicken with the garlic‑herb sauce. Stir in chopped parsley and parmesan cheese until well coated.
• Serve immediately with extra parmesan or parsley as garnish.

Notes

• Vegetable Variations: Add chopped broccoli, bell peppers, or sautéed greens for added color and nutrition.
• Spice It Up: Use crushed red pepper flakes or chili oil for extra heat.
• Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or reserved pasta water for a silkier sauce.
• Cheese Upgrades: Mix in shredded mozzarella or Asiago alongside the parmesan.