This Rotisserie Chicken Pasta is the answer to your busy weeknight dinner dreams! With tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy sauce, it’s both filling and delicious.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini because its twists hold onto sauce beautifully. If you don’t have it, feel free to substitute it with penne, fusilli, or any pasta you like!
Rotisserie Chicken: This is the star of the dish for adding flavor and protein. You can use leftover grilled or baked chicken too. If you’re vegetarian, chickpeas or grilled vegetables work as great substitutes.
Cherry Tomatoes: They add a burst of freshness to the dish. If cherry tomatoes aren’t in season, try using grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes. Canned tomatoes are also an option here.
Pesto Sauce: I prefer store-bought for convenience, but homemade pesto brings a fresh flavor. If you’re looking for a nut-free option, you can substitute it with a green sauce made of herbs and olive oil.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan adds that cheesy flavor. If you’re avoiding dairy, nutritional yeast is a fantastic cheesy substitute!
How Can I Ensure My Pasta is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking pasta might sound simple, but getting it just right makes a big difference! Follow these steps to achieve perfect pasta:
- Use a large pot and plenty of water (about 4 quarts). This helps the pasta cook evenly without sticking.
- Always salt your water generously; it should taste like the sea. This flavor will enhance your pasta.
- Follow the cooking time on the package, but start checking for doneness a minute or two before it says to. You want it *al dente*—firm, but not hard.
- Once it’s done, don’t forget to save a cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water can help thicken your sauce if needed!
Following these simple tips will lead to perfectly cooked pasta every time! Enjoy your Rotisserie Chicken Pasta and the time saved in the kitchen!
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta Ingredients:
- 12 ounces rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded or sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or left whole
Flavorful Additions:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish Options:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: crispy bacon bits or pancetta slices for added flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Rotisserie Chicken Pasta can be ready in about 30 minutes! You’ll spend about 10 minutes soaking up the good vibes while cooking the pasta and making the sauce, and then around 20 minutes to bring it all together. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, toss in your rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the minced garlic and let it cook for just 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to let it brown, as that can make it bitter!
3. Add the Cherry Tomatoes:
Next, add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet, sautéing them for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. This brings out their natural sweetness and adds a burst of flavor to your dish.
4. Mix in the Chicken:
Now, it’s time to add the shredded rotisserie chicken. Stir it in and let it warm up for about 2-3 minutes. The heat from the skillet will work its magic!
5. Combine Everything:
Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss it together with the pesto sauce, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and some salt and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined and that the pasta is coated in that tasty sauce.
6. Add Optional Ingredients:
If you’re feeling adventurous, now is the time to stir in those crispy bacon bits or pancetta slices for an extra boost of flavor. Yum!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve your Rotisserie Chicken Pasta immediately while it’s warm and enjoy every bite of this herby, garlicky goodness!
This pasta is not just easy to make, but it’s packed with flavor and perfect for everyone in the family. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken Instead of Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover grilled or baked chicken works great in this recipe. Just shred or slice it as you would with rotisserie chicken. You can even use turkey if you have it on hand!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can customize the dish by adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just sauté them along with the garlic and cherry tomatoes until they’re tender.
How Can I Make This Dish Creamier?
If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese to the pesto mixture. This will give your pasta a rich and velvety texture!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the rotisserie chicken with chickpeas, white beans, or your favorite grilled vegetables. You can also add some toasted nuts for added crunch and protein!
