Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you’re looking for a dinner that is pure comfort, comes together in a flash, and wows everyone at the table, look no further: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta is about to become your new weeknight hero. This creamy, savory pasta is loaded with juicy rotisserie chicken, twirls of tender noodles, and a rich, garlicky sauce that lets every ingredient shine. It’s the happy crossroads of convenience and homemade goodness, where store-bought rotisserie chicken gets a glow-up in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re a pasta pro or just need a quick meal, this creamy classic is irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Rotisserie Chicken Pasta is how each simple ingredient contributes to its hearty flavor, creamy texture, or pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need and why each plays its part:
- Pasta (12 oz penne or rotini): Short, sturdy shapes like penne or rotini capture all the luscious sauce—use your favorite or whatever’s in the pantry.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Keeps everything silky and helps the garlic and onion release their flavor.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): For warmth and savory aroma—don’t skimp!
- Onion (1 small, diced): Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Shredded rotisserie chicken (2 cups): The star—tender, juicy chicken for unbeatable flavor and convenience.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Infuses savory flavor and helps to create the sauce base.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes the sauce irresistibly rich and velvety—swap for half-and-half if desired.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Melts into the sauce, bringing nuttiness and saltiness.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of classic herbs for that signature Italian-inspired taste.
- Baby spinach (1 cup, optional): Adds color and freshness—plus a sneaky way to get in some greens.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for making all the flavors pop.
- Chopped parsley for garnish: Brightens the plate and gives a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Make Rotisserie Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil, then add your pasta. Cook until just al dente—the noodles will soak up more flavor later. Don’t forget to reserve a little pasta water if you want to loosen up the sauce in the final step. Drain and set aside, but don’t let those noodles sit too long or they might stick together!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the garlic and onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion turns translucent and the kitchen suddenly smells amazing. These aromatics are the flavor foundation for your Rotisserie Chicken Pasta.
Step 3: Warm the Chicken
Add your shredded rotisserie chicken to the skillet. Stir it around for a minute or two, just to warm it up and let it soak in those garlicky, oniony flavors. This step is what transforms store-bought chicken into something homemade and special.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring this gorgeous mixture to a gentle simmer—don’t boil or the sauce might separate. Sprinkle in the Parmesan and Italian seasoning, then cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and gets nice and glossy.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet and toss, toss, toss—get every piece coated in that dreamy sauce. If you’re adding spinach, pile it in now and let it wilt for just a minute or two. Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper. The result should be creamy, savory, and irresistibly good.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Spoon your Rotisserie Chicken Pasta onto plates, then scatter chopped parsley over the top for freshness and color. Serve it up immediately while the sauce is silky and warm—get ready for rave reviews!
How to Serve Rotisserie Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
A simple shower of fresh parsley does wonders, but consider tossing on extra shaved Parmesan, a twist of cracked black pepper, or even a few flakes of red pepper for a gentle kick. These little touches add visual appeal and take the flavors to new heights.
Side Dishes
This pasta really shines beside a crisp Caesar salad, buttery garlic bread, or roasted veggies. The creamy Rotisserie Chicken Pasta sauce pairs beautifully with anything bright or crunchy, so go with whatever makes your heart happy and your plate colorful.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra-special touch, serve Rotisserie Chicken Pasta in shallow bowls, letting the sauce pool around each twirl. Or, spoon it into a large baking dish, sprinkle with more cheese, and broil until bubbly for an impromptu pasta bake. Individual ramekins work beautifully for dinner parties, too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any extra Rotisserie Chicken Pasta cool before popping it into an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it stays delicious for up to 3 days—though it’s so tasty, leftovers might not last that long!
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags. The sauce texture may change slightly when reheated, but the flavor holds up beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet with a splash of milk or chicken broth to refresh the sauce. Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring until heated through. The creamy texture bounces right back, making your Rotisserie Chicken Pasta just as inviting as day one.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely! Any short pasta like fusilli, shells, or even farfalle will soak up the creamy sauce just as well. Use whatever you have in your pantry for a fun twist.
Is there a way to make this Rotisserie Chicken Pasta lighter?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half, or even use evaporated milk. The sauce will be a bit lighter but still creamy and satisfying.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Of course. Roasted red peppers, sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even peas all make fantastic additions and bring a pop of color and flavor to your Rotisserie Chicken Pasta.
What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
If your sauce thickens up a bit too much, simply stir in a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water or some extra chicken broth. This will bring it back to the perfect silky consistency.
How can I make this meal ahead for a busy night?
You can prep everything up to combining the pasta and sauce. Store the components separately in the fridge, then toss together and heat gently on the stove when ready to serve. That way, your Rotisserie Chicken Pasta tastes freshly made every time.
Final Thoughts
I can’t say enough good things about Rotisserie Chicken Pasta—it’s the ultimate creamy comfort food that always hits the spot. Next time you grab a rotisserie chicken, remember that this pasta is just 30 minutes away from making your night a whole lot more delicious. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new weeknight staple!
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Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Creamy and comforting, this Rotisserie Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy dinner option that the whole family will love. Tender rotisserie chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce come together for a delicious meal.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Sauté garlic and onion in olive oil. Add chicken, broth, and cream. Simmer and add Parmesan and seasoning.
- Combine and Serve: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce. Add spinach and season to taste. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- You can use any short pasta like fusilli or shells.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Enhance the dish with sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
