Rotisserie Chicken Pasta 🍗🧄🍅🍝 Savory, Saucy, and Ridiculously Easy With Tender Chicken and Big Weeknight Energy

This is the cheat code pasta — shredded rotisserie chicken folded into garlic-simmered sauce and tossed with hot noodles for a dinner that feels cooked-from-scratch but takes almost no effort. It’s cozy, hearty, and totally riffable.

Whether you’re using jarred sauce, cream, or broth and butter, this pasta knows how to turn leftovers into flavor-forward comfort.

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

For the pasta

• 12 oz penne, rigatoni, or fusilli
• Salted water for boiling
• ½ cup reserved pasta water

For the chicken and base

• 2–3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning or paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the sauce options (pick one)

• 1½ cups jarred marinara or tomato basil sauce
• 1 cup cream or half-and-half + ½ cup chicken broth + ½ cup Parmesan
• 1 cup pesto + ¼ cup cream or reserved pasta water
• 1½ cups vodka sauce or rosé sauce
• Optional: splash of white wine, lemon juice, or vinegar for balance

To finish

• Grated Parmesan or Pecorino
• Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, oregano)
• Chili flakes or hot sauce
• Drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the pasta
Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Build the base
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Add garlic and seasoning. Sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add shredded chicken and toss to coat and warm through.

Step 3: Add your sauce
Stir in your sauce of choice (tomato, cream, pesto, etc.). Simmer 3–5 minutes until warmed and blended. Add pasta water to loosen if needed.

Step 4: Combine and toss
Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until glossy, hot, and coated. Stir in Parmesan or finishing fat as needed.

Step 5: Serve hot
Top with more cheese, herbs, pepper flakes, or a drizzle of something bright. Serve immediately.

Flavor Variations

• Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra depth
• Use Cajun seasoning or smoked paprika for a spiced version
• Stir in ricotta, goat cheese, or cream cheese for richness
• Try sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or roasted red peppers for punch
• Toss in arugula or kale just before serving for greens

Pro Tips

• Shred chicken while warm — it’s easier and more tender
• Simmer sauces gently — don’t over-reduce creamy ones
• Add pasta water gradually to get the perfect coating
• Parmesan adds salt — taste before adjusting seasoning
• Double it for meal prep — it reheats beautifully

Final Thoughts

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta is what weeknight wins are made of — quick, hearty, and packed with flavor. Whether you go red sauce, creamy, or pesto-powered, it turns one store-bought shortcut into a full-blown, comforting pasta dish.

Shred it. Simmer it. Swirl up the shortcut. 🍗🍝🧄🔥

🍝 Pasta Recipes Collection

Explore All Pasta Recipes – A complete noodle lover’s hub — creamy, meaty, veggie-packed, or refreshingly cold, these recipes have it all.

🧄 Classic & Comforting

• 🧄 Classic Pasta Recipes – Tried-and-true dishes like spaghetti, fettuccine, and timeless tomato-based favorites.
• 🍅 Simple Pasta Recipes – Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor — pasta perfection without the fuss.
• ⚡ Easy Pasta Recipes – Weeknight lifesavers that deliver rich flavor fast, with zero culinary stress.
• 🍽️ Pasta Dinner Recipes – Family-friendly pastas that satisfy any night of the week.

🧀 Sauce Styles

• 🥛 Creamy Pasta Recipes – Silky sauces made with cream, cheese, or both — pure comfort in a bowl.
• 🧈 Alfredo Pasta Recipes – Rich and buttery Alfredo sauce takes center stage in these indulgent dishes.
• 🥄 White Sauce Pasta Recipes – Mellow and smooth béchamel-based recipes that pair beautifully with chicken or veggies.
• 🍅 Red Sauce Pasta Recipes – Bright, bold tomato sauces — classic marinara, spicy arrabbiata, and more.
• 🌿 Pesto Pasta Recipes – Herbaceous and vibrant, these green-sauced dishes are perfect for warm-weather meals.

🍗 Protein-Packed Pastas

• 🐓 Chicken Pasta Recipes – Tender chicken meets creamy or tangy sauces — the perfect protein-pasta pairings.
• 🍤 Shrimp Pasta Recipes – Juicy shrimp with garlic butter, wine, or creamy sauces — quick and elegant.
• 🐟 Seafood Pasta Recipes – Scallops, crab, salmon, or mixed shellfish in rich and zesty sauces.
• 🐄 Ground Beef Pasta Recipes – Comforting classics like bolognese, skillet meals, and one-pot beefy favorites.
• 🌭 Sausage Pasta Recipes – Hearty and spiced — from Italian to spicy andouille, sausage elevates every bite.

🥗 Pasta Salads & Light Fare

• 🥗 Pasta Salad Recipes – Great for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep — versatile and crowd-pleasing.
• ❄️ Cold Pasta Salad Recipes – Crisp veggies and chilled noodles tossed with light vinaigrettes or creamy dressings.
• ⏱️ Easy Pasta Salad Recipes – Quick assembly, great texture — ideal for lunches and BBQs.
• 🥬 Healthy Pasta Recipes – Nourishing options made with whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh produce.