This Rotisserie Chicken Pasta is a cozy meal that’s super quick to whip up. Just toss tender rotisserie chicken with your favorite pasta, some veggies, and a creamy sauce!
I love how it makes dinner feel fancy with little effort. Plus, it’s perfect for using up leftover chicken. Who knew being a chef at home could be so simple?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotisserie Chicken: This is the star of the dish. It’s pre-cooked, adding ease and flavor. If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, any cooked chicken works well, like grilled or poached chicken. Even canned chicken can be a good fallback!
Pasta: Rotini is great because its twists hold the sauce nicely. However, feel free to swap it out for penne, farfalle, or bowtie pasta if you prefer. Just keep the cooking time in mind for different shapes.
Kale: I love using kale for its texture and healthy boost. Spinach is a great alternative too, or you could use Swiss chard or any leafy green on hand. Just cook it until it’s wilted.
Cream: Heavy cream creates a rich sauce, but you can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a lighter option. If you’re looking for dairy-free, coconut cream can also work, giving a unique flavor twist.
Cheese: Parmesan adds a nice salty note. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can bring a cheesy flavor instead. You can also try pecorino Romano for an extra bite.
What’s the Best Way to Make Sure My Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta to perfection is essential. Follow these simple tips:
- Use a large pot of salted water—about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 quarts of water. It enhances the pasta’s flavor.
- Don’t forget to stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking together.
- Always check for ‘al dente’ on the package to avoid overcooking. This means it should be tender but still have a slight bite!
- Keep a cup of pasta water aside before draining. You can add it later to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 10 oz rotini pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 2 cups fresh kale, chopped (or spinach)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Rotisserie Chicken Pasta will take about 25-30 minutes to prepare from start to finish. It involves around 10 minutes of prep time and about 15-20 minutes of cooking. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy nights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
3. Add the Cherry Tomatoes:
Next, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to blister and soften.
4. Incorporate the Greens:
Now, add the chopped kale (or spinach) to the skillet and stir it in. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted and nicely mixed in with the tomatoes.
5. Make the Cream Sauce:
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes until it has thickened slightly. This will create a lovely, creamy base for your pasta.
6. Mix in Chicken and Cheese:
Now it’s time to add the shredded rotisserie chicken and the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until well combined, and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste.
7. Combine with Pasta:
Finally, add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
8. Heat Through:
Let the pasta mixture cook for another 1-2 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and well combined.
9. Serve and Garnish:
Serve your delicious Rotisserie Chicken Pasta warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Bon appétit!
Can I Use Leftover Cooked Chicken Instead?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand. Just shred it into bite-sized pieces and add it when you mix in the cream and cheese. It’s a great way to use up leftovers!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. For a dairy-free choice, try using coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. Just keep in mind that the sauce will be less rich.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the sauce thickens, you can add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure all veggies are tender before adding the cream and pasta.