Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Pasta – Delicious Weeknight Dinner

If you’re looking for a quick, creamy, and satisfying pasta dish, this Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Pasta is the perfect recipe! It’s a fantastic way to repurpose leftover rotisserie chicken, turning it into a flavor-packed, comforting meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

With tender shredded chicken, a rich and creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you need a cozy, homemade dinner. Plus, it’s highly customizable, so you can add your favorite veggies, swap the pasta, or make it dairy-free.

Let’s dive into this creamy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious pasta recipe and learn how to make it step by step!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Uses Leftover Rotisserie Chicken: A great way to repurpose leftovers into a delicious meal.

✔️ Rich & Creamy Sauce: Made with heavy cream, Parmesan, and garlic for the perfect flavor.

✔️ Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.

✔️ Customizable: Add veggies, swap cheeses, or use gluten-free pasta to suit your preferences.

✔️ Great for Meal Prep: Stores well and reheats beautifully for next-day meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Pasta, you’ll need:

For the Pasta & Chicken:

• Rotisserie Chicken (Shredded): 2 cups (leftover or freshly shredded)
• Pasta (Penne, Rigatoni, or Fettuccine): 12 ounces
• Olive Oil or Butter: 2 tablespoons

For the Creamy Sauce:

• Heavy Cream: 1 cup
• Chicken Broth: ½ cup
• Garlic Cloves (Minced): 3 cloves
• Parmesan Cheese (Grated): ¾ cup
• Cream Cheese: 4 ounces (softened)
• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
• Salt & Black Pepper: To taste
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional for spice)

For Garnishing & Extra Flavor:

• Fresh Parsley or Basil: 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Extra Parmesan Cheese: For topping

🔄 Ingredient Swaps & Variations:

• Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap with gluten-free pasta.
• Add Vegetables: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make this easy creamy chicken pasta, you’ll need:

• Large Pot (for boiling pasta)
• Skillet or Saucepan (for making the creamy sauce)
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula (for stirring)
• Measuring Cups & Spoons (for accuracy)

How to Make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for later.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

• Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well.
• Add the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Stir until the sauce is smooth and thick (about 5 minutes).

Step 4: Add the Chicken & Pasta

• Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and let it heat through for 2 minutes.
• Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

• Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil.
• Top with extra Parmesan cheese and serve warm!

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Expert Tips for the Best Rotisserie Chicken Pasta

✅ Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts better than pre-shredded cheese for a silky smooth sauce.

✅ Reserve Pasta Water: This helps loosen the sauce and gives it a velvety texture.

✅ Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly undercook the pasta so it absorbs the sauce better.

✅ Let the Chicken Warm Up Slowly: Adding cold chicken straight from the fridge can cool down the sauce too quickly.

✅ Adjust Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more broth or pasta water.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Overcooking the Pasta: Pasta should be al dente so it holds its shape in the sauce.

❌ Skipping the Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the depth of flavor—don’t leave it out!

❌ Not Using Enough Cheese: Parmesan adds richness—use freshly grated cheese for the best taste.

❌ Heating the Sauce Too Quickly: Keep it on medium heat to prevent burning or curdling.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

This creamy chicken pasta pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.
• Side Salad – A crisp green salad with balsamic dressing.
• Steamed Vegetables – Broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus complement the dish.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Heat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Microwave: Warm in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Freezing:

• Freeze for up to 2 months in an airtight container.
• Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as directed.

Recipe Variations & Ingredient Swaps

🔥 Spicy Chicken Pasta: Add 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning for extra heat.

🥦 Veggie-Packed Pasta: Stir in roasted bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.

🧀 Extra Cheesy Version: Mix in ½ cup of shredded mozzarella for a gooier sauce.

🍋 Lemon Chicken Pasta: Add fresh lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

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FAQs About Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Pasta

Can I use pre-cooked pasta?

Yes, but slightly undercook it so it doesn’t get mushy when reheated.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the sauce and refrigerate it separately from the pasta. When ready to serve, warm the sauce and toss with freshly cooked pasta.

What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?

Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work best, as they hold onto the creamy sauce.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner—add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to thicken it.

Conclusion

This Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Pasta is a quick, comforting, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re looking for a way to repurpose leftover chicken or want a simple, hearty dinner, this pasta dish delivers every time!

Try this recipe today and let me know how it turns out! If you loved it, share it with friends and subscribe for more delicious recipes.

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