Speedy & Delicious Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Recipe

Discover an effortless weeknight meal that comes together in a flash. This fantastic recipe transforms simple leftover rotisserie chicken recipes pasta into a flavorful, satisfying dish your family will adore. With quick prep and minimal cooking, you can enjoy a hearty meal without the fuss. We’ll create a simple garlic-herb-butter sauce that coats every strand, delivering a family-friendly and truly delicious experience.

Why You’ll Love This Rotisserie Chicken Pasta

• Quick & Easy: This dish is a lifesaver, ready to serve in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Ultimate Leftover Hack: It expertly utilizes leftover rotisserie chicken, turning it into a brand new meal.
• Flavor-Packed: The rich, aromatic garlic-herb butter sauce infuses the pasta and chicken with incredible taste.
• Customizable: Easily adapt this rotisserie chicken recipes pasta with ingredients you already have in your pantry.
• Comfort Food: It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will ask for seconds of this delightful and simple dish.

Ingredients

To make this amazing rotisserie chicken recipes pasta, gather these essential items:

• 16 ounces penne pasta
• 2-3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped, about ½ rotisserie
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil.
  Recognized for its numerous advantages, extra-virgin olive oil offers significant health benefits including antioxidants and healthy fats.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt, reduce by half if butter is salted
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or ground pepper (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning, or ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, basil)
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Notes & Substitutions

• Pasta: Feel free to use any short pasta shape like rotini, farfalle, or even longer strands like fettuccine or spaghetti.
• Chicken: No rotisserie chicken? Any pre-cooked chicken, such as grilled chicken breasts or leftover roast chicken, works perfectly.
• Herbs: Fresh parsley, basil, or thyme will provide a brighter, more vibrant flavor profile.
• Spice: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking; omit them entirely for a milder dish or add more for extra heat.
• Salt: Remember to taste and adjust the salt content, especially if using salted butter or a very salty Parmesan.
• Dairy-Free: To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter with an equal amount of vegan butter and omit the Parmesan cheese.

Equipment

You won’t need many specialized tools for this simple recipe. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this delightful rotisserie chicken recipes pasta:

• Large pot for cooking pasta
• Small saucepan for the garlic butter sauce
• Colander for draining
• Tongs or a large serving spoon for tossing
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your delicious rotisserie chicken recipes pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water, then cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes.
2. A couple of minutes before the pasta is fully cooked, add the shredded or chopped rotisserie chicken directly into the pasta water. This allows the chicken to heat through gently and reabsorb some moisture, ensuring it stays tender and juicy.
3. Once the pasta is al dente and the chicken is warmed, carefully drain the water using a colander. Return the pasta and chicken mixture to the large pot.
4. While the pasta cooks, prepare your flavorful garlic sauce. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the olive oil and butter. Allow the butter to melt completely.
5. Add the minced garlic cloves to the saucepan, along with the salt and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook the mixture for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Watch carefully to ensure the garlic turns a fragrant golden color but does not burn.
6. Stir in the Italian seasoning if you are using dried herbs. Cook for another 30 seconds to allow the herbs to bloom and release their aroma. Turn off the heat immediately.
7. Pour the entire garlic butter sauce directly over the warm pasta and chicken in the large pot. Add the fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Using tongs or a large serving spoon, toss everything together thoroughly. Make sure every piece of pasta and chicken is beautifully coated with the fragrant sauce and cheese. Serve your speedy and delicious rotisserie chicken pasta immediately.

Pro Tips for Perfect Rotisserie Chicken Pasta

• Prevent Burnt Garlic: Keep a close eye on your garlic as it cooks. Golden garlic is aromatic, but dark garlic can become bitter.
• Warm Chicken Thoroughly: Heating the rotisserie chicken in the pasta water ensures it’s piping hot and moist, not dry.
  For food safety, always ensure that reheated poultry reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Enhance Sauce: Reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining. Add a splash or two to the finished dish for a silkier sauce if needed.
• Balance Seasoning: Always taste your sauce before pouring it over the pasta. Adjust salt and pepper as necessary for optimal flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil right before serving adds a bright, fresh finish and vibrant color.
• Quality Ingredients: Using good quality extra virgin olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese significantly elevates the dish’s taste.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations

Serving Suggestions

Serve this versatile rotisserie chicken recipes pasta with complementary sides.

• A crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette makes a refreshing contrast.
• Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
• Add a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for extra nutrients.
• Garnish each serving with a final sprinkle of fresh Parmesan and chopped herbs.

Storage & Reheating

• Store: Place any leftover pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate it promptly. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
• Reheat: Gently warm the leftovers on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave.
• Moisture: Add a small splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to help revive the sauce and prevent dryness.

Recipe Variations

• Add Vegetables: Boost your meal with nutrients by stirring in a handful of fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, peas, or sautéed mushrooms.
• Citrus Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished dish brightens all the flavors.
• Creamier Sauce: For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream, cream cheese, or a dash of milk.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like crumbled feta, creamy goat cheese, or shredded mozzarella for new flavors.
• Extra Spice: If you love heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a tiny dash of cayenne pepper.
• Different Proteins: This recipe is flexible; use grilled chicken, turkey leftovers, or even shredded pork.

Nutrition Information

This estimate provides a general idea of the nutritional content for one serving of our delicious rotisserie chicken pasta. Please note that values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use pre-cooked chicken from scratch? Absolutely! Any cooked chicken, such as chicken breast or thighs, works perfectly in this rotisserie chicken recipes pasta.
• What pasta shapes are best? Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle are excellent for catching the sauce. Spaghetti or fettuccine also work well.
• How do I prevent the pasta from drying out? Heating the chicken in the pasta water helps, and adding a splash of reserved pasta water to the sauce can keep it moist and silky.
• Is this dish spicy? Only if you choose to add red pepper flakes. They are entirely optional, so you can control the spice level.
• Can I add vegetables to this recipe? Yes, you can! Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or steamed broccoli florets are fantastic additions for extra flavor and nutrients.

Conclusion

This Speedy & Delicious Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Recipe truly makes weeknight cooking a breeze. It’s a fantastic way to transform simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. With its quick preparation, robust flavors, and versatile nature, this dish is destined to become a staple in your rotation. Give this easy recipe a try tonight and watch it become your next family favorite. We’d love to hear your thoughts and see your creations in the comments below!

Speedy & Delicious Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Recipe

This speedy and delicious recipe combines tender rotisserie chicken with penne pasta, coated in a fragrant garlic, olive oil, and butter sauce. It's a perfect weeknight meal that comes together quickly and satisfies with its rich flavors.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 700

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 16 ounces penne pasta
• 2-3 cups rotisserie chicken shredded or chopped, about ½ rotisserie

Sauce Ingredients

• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 1 teaspoon salt reduce by half if butter is salted
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes or ground pepper
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning or ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, basil)

Garnish

• ⅓ cup parmesan cheese

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Small Saucepan

Method

 

Cooking Steps

1. Boil water in a large pot and cook pasta according to package directions; prepare the sauce while the pasta cooks.
2. A few minutes before the pasta is fully cooked, add the shredded rotisserie chicken to the pot to heat it through and moisten it.
3. Drain the pasta and chicken, then return them to the pot.
4. In a small saucepan, combine olive oil, butter, minced garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes; cook for about 2 minutes until garlic is golden and fragrant, adding Italian seasoning if using.
5. Pour the garlic sauce over the pasta and chicken, then add parmesan cheese and fresh herbs (if using) and toss until well coated.

Notes

Adjust salt to taste, especially if using salted butter. Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil can enhance the flavor.