Do Share Recipe

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Recipe – Easy, Flavorful & Ready in 20 Minutes

When I first made this rotisserie chicken pasta, I couldn’t help but sneak a few bites straight from the pot before it even reached the table. The creamy garlic-butter sauce paired with tender shredded chicken and perfectly cooked pasta.

Creates a comfort meal that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant. It’s quick, easy, and turns leftover chicken into something that feels entirely new. If you’re looking for a dinner idea that the whole family will devour, this recipe is a must-try!

Also enjoy comfort food made simple with our Rotisserie Chicken Enchiladas Recipe.

Ingredients for Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Recipe

16 ounces penne pasta
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced or grated
1 ½ teaspoons salt
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (or use 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning)
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Note: This recipe serves 6 people.

Variations to Try

You can easily put your twist on this recipe! Here are some popular variations to try based on different preferences:

Vegetarian Option: Swap out the chicken for roasted mushrooms or sautéed zucchini.
Creamy Sauce: Add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese for a richer texture.
Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or drizzle with chili oil.
Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles (“zoodles”) instead of pasta.
Extra Protein: Add sautéed shrimp or diced crispy bacon to complement the flavors.

Find delicious dinner recipes that the whole family will love.

Cooking Time

This quick recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a fast and satisfying meal.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Equipment You Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this dish effortlessly:

Large pot: To cook the pasta.
Cutting board and knife: For chopping parsley or mincing garlic.
Medium saucepan: For preparing the garlic-butter sauce.
Tongs or pasta spoon: To toss the pasta and sauce together.
Fresh grater: To grate Parmesan cheese directly into the dish.

How to Make Rotisserie Chicken Pasta?

Creating this dish is simple. The steps are all about building layers of flavor in no time.

Cook the Pasta

Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Right before draining, add the shredded rotisserie chicken into the pot for the last minute to warm it through.

This makes the chicken soft and juicy. Once ready, drain both the pasta and chicken together, then set them aside.

Prepare the Garlic-Butter Sauce

While the pasta is boiling, get started on the sauce. Heat olive oil and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 2 minutes until fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it cooks quickly.

Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes for a hint of spice and stir briefly. If using Italian seasoning, add it here to soften and blend into the sauce.

Combine Everything

Now, for the fun part! Return the drained pasta and chicken to the pot (or use a large mixing bowl). Pour the garlic-butter sauce over it and toss to coat all the pasta evenly.

Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, then mix once more until everything is well combined. The sauce should cling beautifully to the pasta, with every bite bursting with flavor.

Serve and Enjoy

Once combined, transfer the pasta to serving bowls or a platter, and garnish with a bit more Parmesan and parsley on top for presentation. This dish is best enjoyed while warm, with fresh bread or a crisp salad on the side.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This recipe has become a weeknight favorite in our home and here’s why:

It takes just 20 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy days.
It’s a budget-friendly way to repurpose leftovers into a restaurant-quality meal.
You can easily customize the ingredients to suit your taste.
The garlic-butter sauce adds a flavorful twist that’s addictively delicious.

How to Serve Rotisserie Chicken Pasta?

For an inviting presentation, plate this pasta in shallow bowls or a serving platter with fresh Parmesan and parsley as finishing touches. Pair it with garlic bread, Rotisserie Chicken Dip, steamed green beans, or a side salad for a complete meal.

A glass of crisp white wine or a bubbly sparkling water would perfectly complement the dish’s rich, savory flavors.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional values per serving:

Calories: 583
Protein: 24g
Carbohydrates: 58g
Fat: 28g

Make Ahead and Storage

This dish is a lifesaver for meal prepping or quick leftovers. Prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time, but wait to combine them until just before serving to prevent the pasta from soaking up too much sauce.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave, adding a splash of olive oil or water to bring the sauce back to life. While it’s not ideal for freezing, you can freeze the sauce separately for a quick option later.

Tips for Making the Recipe

From my experience with this recipe, here are some valuable tips to elevate your dish:

Use high-quality olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
Don’t overcook the pasta; it’s best served al dente.
Save a bit of pasta water after cooking to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
Warm the chicken briefly in the pasta water to rehydrate it and enhance its texture.
Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its peak creaminess and flavor.

What vegetables pair well with this rotisserie chicken pasta?

This dish pairs wonderfully with vegetables like steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes. You can add these directly to the pasta for a complete one-pot meal or serve them on the side for more flexibility.

For a burst of brightness, fresh arugula or basil leaves tossed in right before serving also works beautifully.

Can I make this pasta recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative such as vegan butter or more olive oil. Swap the Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast or your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative.

Be sure to test the seasoning as these swaps may alter the flavor profile slightly. With its simplicity, flavor-packed sauce, and crowd-pleasing ingredients, this rotisserie chicken pasta is bound to become a regular meal in your rotation.

Experiment with the variations, get creative with toppings, and enjoy the ultimate comfort dish without spending hours in the kitchen!

Ben Carraoli