Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Recipe
Imagine twirling your fork through a creamy, savory, and utterly satisfying Rotisserie Chicken Pasta that brings together tender chicken, perfectly al dente pasta, and a rich sauce with a hint of fresh veggies. This dish is a weeknight wonder and a surefire crowd-pleaser, coming together in just 25 minutes thanks to the magic of store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s Italian-inspired comfort food at its best—fast, flavorful, and full of love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients are the backbone of Rotisserie Chicken Pasta. Each one plays a vital role, whether that’s giving the dish its creamy texture, irresistible aroma, or mouthwatering color—so don’t skip a thing!
- Pasta (12 ounces penne or rotini): Pasta with texture like penne or rotini helps catch the delicious sauce and holds up beautifully with the hearty chicken pieces.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps the garlic and tomatoes bloom with flavor from the very start.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic is key for a deeply aromatic, savory base.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): They add pops of juiciness and a burst of color with every bite.
- Rotisserie chicken (3 cups, shredded): The shortcut hero—delivering juicy, flavorful chicken with no extra cooking required.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The backbone for a sumptuous, velvety sauce.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Balances out the sauce so it’s light but rich and deeply savory.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings all those classic herby Italian notes that make the dish sing.
- Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): For those who love a gentle spicy kick, this little pinch adds just enough warmth.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts into gooey goodness and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Adds nutty depth and that signature salty punch to the sauce.
- Fresh spinach (2 cups): Wilts gently into the sauce, adding vibrant color and a touch of earthiness.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning every layer of flavor in the dish.
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish): A fragrant finishing touch, making the pasta look and taste fresh-from-the-garden.
How to Make Rotisserie Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Fill your largest pot with plenty of water and a generous sprinkle of salt, bring it to a boil, and toss in your penne or rotini. Cook until just al dente—don’t forget to reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining. This step is key for your sauce’s final texture, so don’t let the pasta get too soft!
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes
Set a large skillet over medium heat and pour in the olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes. Let them sizzle together for 2 to 3 minutes—your kitchen will smell amazing as the tomatoes soften and everything becomes irresistibly fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Stir the shredded rotisserie chicken into the skillet, followed by the heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and (if you want a touch of heat) red pepper flakes. Simmer this wonderful mixture for 3 to 4 minutes, letting the chicken soak up all those creamy, herby flavors.
Step 4: Make It Cheesy
Add in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is thick and silky. Watch the sauce come together in a cheesy, dreamy swirl—it’s hard to resist a taste at this point!
Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Pasta
Fold in the fresh spinach, giving it just enough time to wilt gently into the sauce. Then, add the cooked pasta right into the skillet, tossing until every piece is coated in cheesy, creamy goodness. If the sauce seems a bit thick, splash in some reserved pasta water until you reach the perfect consistency.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Taste for salt and pepper, adjusting as needed, then serve your Rotisserie Chicken Pasta hot. Scatter fresh basil leaves over the top for a final flourish. Dig in and enjoy the smiles around your table!
How to Serve Rotisserie Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
For extra visual flair and a burst of fresh flavor, sprinkle your Rotisserie Chicken Pasta with ribbons of fresh basil or another favorite herb. If you like more cheese (and who doesn’t?), grate a little extra Parmesan on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines as a main course but pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in lemony vinaigrette, or some toasty garlic bread for scooping up every last bit of sauce. If you want to make things extra cozy, try adding a bowl of roasted veggies on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, serve Rotisserie Chicken Pasta in shallow pasta bowls with a basil-topped cheese crisp as a gourmet touch. Or, for meal prep, pack individual portions with a side of roasted broccoli for a grab-and-go lunch. It also looks gorgeous piled high on a big family-style platter for easy sharing at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Pasta keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let it cool a bit before sealing to keep everything fresh.
Freezing
If you have more than you can finish, you can freeze this dish! Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before gently reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth, milk, or reserved pasta water to help loosen up the sauce and revive its creamy texture. A couple of minutes in the microwave or a gentle reheat on the stovetop does the trick—just stir well so it heats evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course, Pasta
Absolutely! While penne and rotini are perfect for catching the sauce, shells, fusilli, or even spaghetti will all work in Rotisserie Chicken Pasta. Just be sure to cook your chosen shape until al dente.
Is there a lighter version of this dish?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk to lighten things up. You can also add extra spinach or swap in kale for even more greens.
What other veggies can I add?
This dish is wonderfully flexible. Try adding mushrooms, sautéed bell peppers, or peas for extra color and flavor—the creamy sauce and chicken welcome all sorts of veggie friends.
How can I make Rotisserie Chicken Pasta spicier?
Add a full teaspoon of red pepper flakes instead of a half, or finish with a drizzle of spicy chili oil for bonus heat. You can also toss in sliced jalapeños for a fiery finish.
Can I prepare this ahead for a dinner party?
Definitely! Make the sauce and pasta up to a day ahead, storing them separately, then combine and reheat gently just before serving. Hold off on the basil garnish until right before your guests arrive for the freshest flavor and look.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a reliable, delicious meal that feels special but doesn’t take all night to make, give Rotisserie Chicken Pasta a try. You’ll love how fast, creamy, and incredibly flavorful it is—and once you see those happy faces around your table, it’ll surely become a new go-to favorite.
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Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Creamy and flavorful, this Rotisserie Chicken Pasta is a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender rotisserie chicken, cherry tomatoes, and spinach are combined with a rich and creamy sauce, then tossed with pasta for a delicious dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 3 cups rotisserie chicken (shredded)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add garlic and cherry tomatoes, cooking for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and tomatoes start to soften. Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken, heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and sauce thickens. Stir in spinach until wilted. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for the cream for a lighter version, or swap spinach for kale.
- For extra flavor, stir in a tablespoon of pesto before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1½ cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 610 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
