If you’re craving a pasta dinner that’s as effortless as it is flavorful, you’ll swoon for this Garlic & Herb Rotisserie Chicken Pasta. Each bite combines juicy rotisserie chicken with a buttery, garlicky sauce and springy penne. It’s proof that a throw-together, weeknight pasta can still be downright craveable—especially when you want cozy comfort in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Lightning-Fast Dinner: With already-cooked rotisserie chicken and a no-fuss sauce, you’ll have dinner on the table in 20 minutes flat—just enough time to uncork a bottle of wine!
- Bold Garlic & Herb Flavors: The luscious blend of golden sautéed garlic, Italian herbs, and fresh parsley gives every twirl a savory pop that rivals your favorite trattoria.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy parmesan and tender pasta make this a cozy, kid-approved classic that’s elegant enough for company yet easy enough for any weeknight.
- Endlessly Adaptable: Make it your own with veggies, different cheese, or a swirl of cream—the simple base begs for customization!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Garlic & Herb Rotisserie Chicken Pasta is that it relies on familiar pantry heroes and a few fresh add-ins. Each ingredient has an important role, from the aromatic garlic to the melt-in-your-mouth parmesan, building layer upon layer of deliciousness.
- Penne Pasta (16 ounces): Its tubular shape catches all that garlicky sauce and makes for the perfect bite every time.
- Rotisserie Chicken (2 cups, chopped): Tender, juicy, and infused with roasted flavor—using store-bought chicken makes this pasta soul-satisfying and lightning-fast.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (½ cup): The backbone of your sauce, lending richness and sheen to every noodle.
- Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons): Adds a creamy, decadent note and brings together all the flavors (use salted if that’s your preference—just adjust the added salt).
- Garlic Cloves, Minced (4): Stars of the show—don’t skimp! Fresh garlic provides warmth and aromatic depth.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning; if your butter is salted, halve the amount to balance flavors beautifully.
- Red Pepper Flakes or Ground Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Just enough heat to tease your taste buds without overwhelming the herbs.
- Chopped Flat-Leaf Parsley (¼ cup) or Italian Seasoning (2 tablespoons): Parsley brings freshness and color, while Italian seasoning infuses the sauce with herby notes—choose your favorite or use both.
- Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup): For nutty, salty, creamy goodness that ties the whole dish together right before serving.
Variations
The versatility of Garlic & Herb Rotisserie Chicken Pasta makes it a dream for busy cooks and picky eaters alike. Feel free to play around with the add-ins or swap ingredients to fit your diet or whatever’s hiding in your fridge!
- Veggie Boost: Toss in a few handfuls of baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or steamed broccoli when you add the chicken for extra color and nutrition.
- Make It Creamy: Swirl in a splash of heavy cream with the sauce for a richer, velvety mouthfeel (hello, weeknight alfredo vibes!).
- Swap the Pasta Shape: Try rotini, fusilli, or shells if that’s what you have—anything that holds the sauce beautifully will work.
- Different Cheeses: Parmesan is classic, but asiago, pecorino, or even a sprinkle of mozzarella add their own delicious twist.
- Go Gluten-Free: Easily substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and the whole dish is allergy-friendly.
How to Make Garlic & Herb Rotisserie Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Boil the Pasta and Warm the Chicken
Set a big pot of salted water to boil, then cook your penne pasta according to the package—just until al dente, so it’s still slightly firm. Two minutes before the pasta is ready, stir in your diced rotisserie chicken directly with the noodles. This rewarms the chicken and lets it soak up some of that starchy, pasta-infused water for incredible moisture. Don’t worry about overcooking; everything should finish perfectly tender.
Step 2: Drain and Prep the Pasta
Once the pasta and chicken are heated through, drain well and return both to the empty (still-warm) pot. Keeping them together preserves that heat—no one likes lukewarm chicken! Meanwhile, start your simple garlic sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic & Herb Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine olive oil, butter, minced garlic, salt, and your chosen heat—either red pepper flakes or a dash of cracked black pepper. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring often, for about two minutes. The garlic should be golden and fragrant, not dark or burnt! If you’re using Italian seasoning, add it now so the herbs bloom in the warm oil, infusing the whole sauce with extra flavor.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Immediately pour the sizzling garlic & herb sauce over your hot pasta and chicken, then shower with fresh chopped parsley (or more Italian seasoning) and a generous handful of parmesan. Toss well until everything is slicked in aromatic, buttery goodness. Taste, adjust salt if needed, and dive in!
Pro Tips for Making Garlic & Herb Rotisserie Chicken Pasta
- Succulent Chicken Every Time: Add the chopped rotisserie chicken to the boiling pasta just before draining—it warms gently and stays unbelievably moist, never dry or tough.
- Garlic Goldilocks: Keep a close watch as you sauté the garlic—you want it golden and fragrant, not brown or burnt. Burnt garlic turns bitter quickly, so remove the pan from heat as soon as it’s golden.
- Sauce-to-Pasta Ratio: For ultra-luscious bites, don’t be shy with the olive oil and butter. The full amounts coat every noodle so deliciously—save any “light” substitutions for another night!
- Fresh Herbs Finish: If you have fresh parsley, use it at the very end and sprinkle extra on top for a pop of green and garden-fresh aroma. It makes the whole dish taste extra-bright and inviting.
How to Serve Garlic & Herb Rotisserie Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
A generous flourish of grated parmesan and a scatter of fresh parsley bring gorgeous color and creamy, nutty flavor right to the top of your Garlic & Herb Rotisserie Chicken Pasta. For a burst of brightness, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice before serving, or toss on a light dusting of cracked black pepper for subtle heat and visual flair.
Side Dishes
This cozy pasta shines with simple, Italian-inspired sides. Try a crisp Caesar salad or a platter of roasted green beans for a little crunch. Warm garlic bread or a rustic sliced baguette is the perfect vehicle for sopping up every last drop of garlicky-herby sauce—absolutely irresistible!
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress at the table? Pile the Garlic & Herb Rotisserie Chicken Pasta high in a big serving bowl with extra parmesan curls on top, or twirl portions into individual nests for an elegant bistro feel. Add a few lemon wedges or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for special occasions—they add a subtle crunch and a wow factor that’ll make your guests swoon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of your Garlic & Herb Rotisserie Chicken Pasta? Lucky you! Let the pasta cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld overnight, giving you a next-day lunch that’s just as tempting as dinner.
Freezing
While this pasta is best fresh, you can freeze portions for up to a month if needed. For best results, undercook the pasta slightly, cool, and freeze in airtight containers. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge and add an extra splash of olive oil when reheating to revive the silky sauce.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers in a skillet with a splash of water or broth and a drizzle of olive oil, tossing gently until everything is heated through. This brings back that glossy sauce and keeps the chicken moist—just avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to dry things out.
FAQs
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Can I use another type of pasta for Garlic & Herb Rotisserie Chicken Pasta?
Absolutely! Rotini, fusilli, shells, or even spaghetti all make wonderful substitutes. The key is to choose a pasta shape that holds onto the garlicky sauce, but feel free to use your favorite or whatever you have on hand.
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What if I don’t have rotisserie chicken?
If rotisserie chicken isn’t available, simply poach, roast, or pan-cook boneless chicken breasts or thighs and shred them. You’ll still achieve that tender, juicy texture that makes this dish so comforting.
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Can I make Garlic & Herb Rotisserie Chicken Pasta dairy-free?
Definitely! Use a plant-based butter and skip (or substitute) the parmesan for a dairy-free cheese alternative or a dusting of nutritional yeast. The olive oil and garlic will still provide loads of flavor.
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Is Garlic & Herb Rotisserie Chicken Pasta spicy?
It’s really up to you! The recipe calls for a touch of red pepper flakes or ground pepper, which gives just a subtle warmth. Feel free to use more or less, or skip it altogether if you’re cooking for little ones or sensitive palates.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s equally quick, comforting, and brimming with flavor, Garlic & Herb Rotisserie Chicken Pasta will hit the spot every single time. Whether you dress it up for company or keep it simple for family dinner, it’s bound to become a regular in your kitchen. Grab a rotisserie chicken, twirl up a forkful, and enjoy a taste of weeknight magic tonight!
Print
Garlic & Herb Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
This Garlic & Herb Rotisserie Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender penne pasta with juicy rotisserie chicken in a garlic-infused olive oil sauce. Tossed with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, it’s a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 16 ounces penne pasta
Chicken:
- 2 cups chopped rotisserie chicken, about 1/2 rotisserie
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt, reduce by half if butter is salted
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or ground pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley or 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Add the chopped chicken a couple of minutes before draining the water. Drain and return pasta and chicken to the pot.
- Make the sauce: In a saucepan, combine olive oil, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook until garlic is fragrant. Add Italian seasoning if using. Turn off heat.
- Combine: Pour the sauce over the pasta, add parsley and Parmesan. Toss to combine.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 583 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 449mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 62mg
