This Rotisserie Chicken Pasta is a quick and tasty meal! It’s packed with juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and pasta all tossed together in a creamy sauce.
What’s not to love about a dish that practically cooks itself? I often whip this up on busy nights and feel like a superstar chef! 🍝✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotisserie Chicken: This is the star of the dish! You can easily use pre-cooked chicken from the store to save time. If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, leftover cooked chicken works just fine, or you can poach or grill some chicken breasts.
Pasta: I love rotini for its ability to hold the sauce well. However, any pasta shape you prefer, like penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti, will work perfectly.
Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms add a wonderful flavor, but if you’re not a fan, feel free to leave them out. Zucchini or spinach can be tasty alternatives.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you could use half-and-half or milk, but keep in mind the sauce will be less rich. You could also use a dairy-free cream if you’re looking for a non-dairy alternative.
How Can I Make Sure My Sauce is Perfectly Creamy?
Getting the sauce just right can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll succeed! Start by sautéing garlic rather than browning it to prevent bitterness.
- After adding heavy cream and broth, keep the heat low to avoid boiling. Boiling can cause the cream to curdle more easily.
- Mix in the cheese slowly, allowing it to melt completely for that creamy texture you want.
- If the sauce appears too thick, you can always add a bit more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
Trust me, this creamy sauce is worth the effort, and there’s nothing quite like it coating perfectly cooked pasta! Enjoy cooking this delicious dish!
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta:
- 12 oz rotisserie chicken, skin removed, shredded or thinly sliced
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or your favorite pasta)
For The Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe is quick and easy! You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking. In just 25 minutes, you can have a delicious dinner ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Follow the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant but not browned.
3. Add the Mushrooms:
Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Stir and cook them until they soften and start to brown, which should take about 4-5 minutes. If you’re using sun-dried tomatoes, add them in now and cook for another 1-2 minutes!
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly for about 3-4 minutes.
5. Incorporate the Chicken and Cheese:
Lower the heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it’s melted and smooth. Then, add the shredded rotisserie chicken and heat it through for a couple of minutes.
6. Combine with Pasta:
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Remove the skillet from heat. Transfer your creamy rotisserie chicken pasta to serving bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley on top. Enjoy your delicious meal right away!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken Instead of Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover chicken works great in this recipe. Just shred or slice it, making sure it’s already cooked, and add it to the sauce at the same point in the recipe to heat through.
Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute regular pasta with a gluten-free pasta option. There are many delicious gluten-free pasta varieties available, like those made from brown rice or quinoa, that will work well in this recipe.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if it seems too thick.
Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Definitely! Use dairy-free cream, like coconut cream or cashew cream, and replace Parmesan with a dairy-free alternative. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor if you’re looking for a dairy-free option!