This Rotisserie Chicken Pasta is a quick and tasty meal. With tender chicken, veggies, and pasta all in one dish, it’s perfect for busy days when you’re craving comfort food!
You really can’t beat the convenience of rotisserie chicken. Just toss it with pasta and your favorite sauce—dinner is served in no time. Plus, leftovers are a win! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rotini is perfect for holding the sauce, but you can switch to fusilli, penne, or any favorite pasta you have on hand. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works too!
Rotisserie Chicken: This is a time-saver! You can use leftover cooked chicken or even turkey. For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms instead.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a lovely tang. If you’re out, diced fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers are great substitutes. You could also skip them if you prefer a milder dish.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative. Just remember it may slightly alter the flavor.
Pesto: Store-bought pesto is convenient! If you want fresh flavor, homemade is easy. You can also substitute with spinach or arugula blended with olive oil and nuts.
How Can I Make the Sauce Creamier?
If you want an extra creamy sauce, here are a few tips to follow:
- Thicken the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer longer after adding cream and cheese until it’s luscious and thick. This helps all the flavors meld together.
- Add Cheese Gradually: Mix in the Parmesan cheese slowly while stirring. This helps it melt more evenly and gives a silkier texture.
- Balance the Flavors: Taste your sauce while cooking! Adjust salt and pepper as needed to enhance the rich creaminess.
With these tips, you’ll have a wonderfully creamy sauce that clings to every piece of pasta! Enjoy your cooking journey! 🥰
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or your favorite short pasta)
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup pesto sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and another 15-20 minutes to cook, totaling around 30-35 minutes. It’s a quick, satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
3. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Now, toss in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, letting them warm up and infuse their flavor into the oil.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the pesto sauce and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes. It should start to thicken up a bit.
5. Incorporate the Chicken:
Add the shredded rotisserie chicken to the sauce and stir everything together until the chicken is warmed through and nicely coated.
6. Add Cheese and Season:
Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and blends into the sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste.
7. Combine with Pasta:
Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with that creamy pesto chicken mixture. If needed, heat for an additional 1-2 minutes.
8. Serve It Up:
Serve your delicious Rotisserie Chicken Pasta immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a nice touch. Enjoy your meal!
Bon appétit! This creamy, flavorful dish is sure to be a hit! 🍽️
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works wonderfully, you can use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or even farfalle. Whole wheat or gluten-free options are great alternatives too!
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or even milk, but this might result in a thinner sauce. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut milk; just be aware of the flavor shift.
How Should Leftovers Be Stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and replace it with your favorite vegetables such as sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or even chickpeas for a protein boost. You can also add in some spinach or kale for extra greens.
