This Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta with juicy rotisserie chicken in a luscious, creamy sauce. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something satisfying and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a complex flavor profile that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe is a game-changer for several reasons:
- Speed and Convenience: Using rotisserie chicken cuts down on cooking time significantly. You can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Versatility: This recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can easily swap out the vegetables, pasta shapes, or even the type of cheese to suit your preferences and what you have on hand.
- Flavor: The combination of garlic, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and creamy sauce creates a rich, savory flavor that is simply irresistible.
- Comfort Food: There’s something undeniably comforting about a big bowl of creamy pasta. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a crowd-pleaser. Even picky eaters will love the combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and familiar pasta.
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
- ✅ 12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
- ✅ 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
For the Sauce:
- ✅ 2 tablespoons butter
- ✅ 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ✅ 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ✅ 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ✅ 1 cup chicken broth
- ✅ 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ✅ ½ teaspoon salt
- ✅ ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ✅ 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Chicken & Add-ins:
- ✅ 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- ✅ 1 cup spinach (optional)
- ✅ ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
- ✅ ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the boiling water. This helps to season the pasta as it cooks, enhancing its flavor. Once the water is boiling rapidly, add 12 ounces of your preferred pasta shape. Penne, rotini, and fettuccine all work wonderfully in this recipe, but feel free to experiment with other types like rigatoni or farfalle.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, indicating that the pasta should be firm and slightly chewy, not mushy. This texture holds up better in the creamy sauce and provides a more satisfying bite.
Once the pasta is cooked to al dente, immediately drain it in a colander. Be sure to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water can be added to the sauce later to help it cling to the pasta more effectively and create an even creamier consistency. Set the drained pasta aside for now.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter along with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. The combination of butter and olive oil adds richness and depth of flavor to the sauce. The olive oil also helps to prevent the butter from burning.
Once the butter is melted and the oil is shimmering, add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Cook the garlic for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will impart a bitter taste to the sauce. The goal is to lightly sauté the garlic until it releases its aromatic oils, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream (or half-and-half) and 1 cup of chicken broth, stirring well to combine. The heavy cream will create a rich, decadent sauce, while the chicken broth adds savory depth. If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper to the skillet. For an extra kick, you can also add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes at this stage. The Italian seasoning blend typically includes herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, which complement the chicken and Parmesan cheese beautifully.
Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together. As the sauce simmers, it will thicken slightly and the flavors will deepen, creating a more complex and harmonious taste.
Step 3: Melt the Cheese & Add Chicken
Lower the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. The Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the sauce and helps to thicken it further. Be sure to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
Add 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken to the skillet. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this recipe, as it saves time and effort. The chicken is already cooked and seasoned, adding a delicious, savory element to the dish.
If using, add 1 cup of spinach and ½ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Spinach adds a boost of nutrients and a pop of color to the dish, while sun-dried tomatoes contribute a burst of intense, sweet-tart flavor.
Stir well until the chicken, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes (if using) are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently until it is evenly combined with the creamy sauce, chicken, and vegetables. Make sure every strand of pasta is coated in the luscious sauce, ensuring a flavorful bite every time.
Let the pasta cook in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together even further. This step helps the pasta absorb the sauce, creating a more cohesive and delicious dish. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Pasta hot and enjoy!
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.
- Pair with a simple green salad to balance the richness of the pasta.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat.
- Serve as a main course for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
- Offer a variety of toppings, such as chopped tomatoes, olives, or artichoke hearts, for guests to customize their bowls.
Tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic will give the sauce the best flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the pasta al dente ensures it holds its shape and texture in the creamy sauce.
- Adjust the Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce it.
- Customize the Add-ins: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli, to the dish.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Use Quality Chicken Broth: A good quality chicken broth will enhance the flavor of the sauce.
- Fresh Herbs: Add fresh herbs at the end to give the dish a vibrant touch.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
Calories:
Approximately 650-750 per serving
Protein:
Approximately 40-50g per serving
Sodium:
Approximately 800-1000mg per serving
Conclusion
This Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Pasta is a versatile and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and customizable add-ins, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy the delicious flavors and the ease of preparation, making it a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Questions and Answers About This Recipe
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While the recipe suggests penne, rotini, or fettuccine, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Rigatoni, farfalle, or even gluten-free pasta work well. Just ensure you cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions.
Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, combine the sauce, pasta, and chicken in a skillet and heat through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Q3: Can I freeze this pasta dish?
A: Freezing is not highly recommended as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing, affecting the texture. However, if you need to freeze it, use an airtight container and try to consume it as soon as possible after thawing. Reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a bit of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s consistency.
Q4: Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?
A: Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even milk for a lighter version. The sauce won’t be as rich, but it will still be delicious. You can also add a tablespoon of cream cheese for added creaminess without the full fat content of heavy cream.
Q5: What other vegetables can I add to this recipe?
A: This recipe is very versatile, and you can add a variety of vegetables to suit your taste. Some great options include sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, broccoli florets, asparagus, or peas. Add them to the skillet along with the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for a well-rounded and flavorful dish.
