If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful meal to serve any night of the week, this Rotisserie Chicken Pasta with Garlic, Herbs, and Olive Oil is a fantastic option. Whether you have leftover rotisserie chicken or you’re trying to stretch your grocery budget, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delicious, hearty dish that your family will love. Combining the richness of olive oil and butter with the savory flavor of garlic, this pasta recipe is sure to become a go-to in your household.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- Pasta: Penne is recommended.
- Rotisserie Chicken: About half a chicken (2 cups chopped).
- Olive Oil: For a rich sauce.
- Butter: Combined with olive oil for richness without cream.
- Garlic: Lots of it, grated or minced.
- Salt: For seasoning.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a hint of heat.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley or Italian seasoning.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a perfect finish.
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Heat until nearly done, then add chopped chicken to reheat.
- Make the sauce: In a saucepan, combine olive oil, butter, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the garlic is golden.
- Combine: Toss the pasta and chicken with the garlic sauce, fresh herbs, and parmesan cheese.
The recipe only takes 20 minutes in total and serves 6 people. It’s ideal for stretching leftovers and is packed with flavor, making it a popular family meal.
Why Use Rotisserie Chicken?
Rotisserie chicken is a versatile ingredient that offers convenience, flavor, and a budget-friendly way to prepare meals. Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves you time, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want to prepare a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Additionally, rotisserie chicken has a deeper flavor because of the slow-roasting process, which adds a lot of taste to dishes like pasta, soups, and salads.
This recipe allows you to utilize leftover chicken in a way that doesn’t feel like eating leftovers. You can even purchase a whole rotisserie chicken and use half for this pasta dish while saving the other half for another meal later in the week. It’s economical, practical, and helps reduce food waste.
Ingredients Breakdown
1. Pasta
Penne pasta is recommended for this recipe, but you can substitute it with any type of pasta you prefer, like spaghetti, fettuccine, or rigatoni. Penne works well because its tubular shape holds the garlic butter sauce in every bite, making it flavorful throughout. You’ll need 16 ounces of pasta for this recipe, which makes about six servings.
2. Rotisserie Chicken
For this recipe, you’ll need about 2 cups of chopped rotisserie chicken, which is typically half of a medium-sized chicken. The chicken can be shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces. If you have more or less chicken on hand, feel free to adjust accordingly; this recipe is forgiving and flexible.
3. Olive Oil & Butter
The combination of ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil and 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter creates a rich, flavorful sauce without needing heavy cream. The olive oil adds depth and a slight fruitiness, while the butter provides a creamy, silky texture that coats the pasta beautifully.
4. Garlic
Garlic is the star of the sauce, providing robust flavor and aroma. You’ll need 4 cloves of garlic, either minced or grated, for this recipe. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add more, as it’s the key ingredient that gives this dish its bold flavor.
5. Salt & Red Pepper Flakes
A simple seasoning of 1 ½ teaspoons of salt and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes is all you need to season the dish. The red pepper flakes add a mild heat that balances the richness of the olive oil and butter. If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can substitute the red pepper flakes with ground black pepper.
6. Herbs
For herbs, you can choose between ¼ cup of fresh flat-leaf parsley or 2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning. Fresh parsley adds brightness and freshness to the dish, while Italian seasoning provides a more robust, earthy flavor. Both options work well, so use what you have on hand.
7. Parmesan Cheese
Adding ¼ cup of grated parmesan cheese takes this pasta dish to the next level. The sharp, salty flavor of parmesan complements the richness of the sauce and the mildness of the chicken, making the dish irresistible. If you’re lactose intolerant or dairy-free, you can skip the parmesan, and the dish will still be delicious.
How to Make Rotisserie Chicken Pasta
This recipe comes together in just about 20 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the pasta according to the package directions. Be sure to salt your pasta water generously to enhance the flavor of the pasta. When the pasta is nearly done (still a bit al dente), add the chopped rotisserie chicken to the pot for the last couple of minutes. This helps warm up the chicken without drying it out. Drain the pasta and chicken and return them to the pot.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the garlic butter sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the olive oil, butter, minced garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir frequently to ensure the garlic doesn’t burn. Cook for about 2 minutes, until the garlic turns golden and fragrant. If you’re using dried herbs like Italian seasoning, add them to the sauce at this stage to allow the flavors to bloom.
3. Combine and Serve
Pour the garlic butter sauce over the pasta and chicken. Add the fresh parsley (or dried herbs) and the parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a garnish of fresh herbs, if desired.
What to Serve with Rotisserie Chicken Pasta
While this pasta dish is hearty and satisfying on its own, adding a side dish can elevate the meal and sneak in some extra veggies. Here are a few quick and easy side options:
1. Bruschetta Salad
A simple Bruschetta Salad made with diced tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar is a light, fresh side that pairs perfectly with the richness of the garlic butter sauce.
2. Steamed Green Beans
Steamed green beans tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper add a healthy and nutritious side dish that takes just a few minutes to prepare.
3. Sautéed Cabbage
For a warm, comforting side, sautéed cabbage with a pinch of garlic and red pepper flakes provides a mildly sweet and slightly crispy contrast to the pasta.
4. Corn and Tomato Salad
For a fresh and colorful side, a simple corn and tomato salad adds both sweetness and acidity to the meal. It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables without spending much time in the kitchen.
Why This Recipe Works
This rotisserie chicken pasta recipe is a winner for several reasons:
- Quick and Easy: It takes only about 20 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Budget-Friendly: Using rotisserie chicken leftovers helps stretch your grocery budget.
- Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or swap out the parmesan for another type of cheese.
- Delicious: The garlic butter sauce, olive oil, and parmesan cheese combine to create a rich, flavorful dish without the need for heavy cream.
Nutritional Information
For those who like to keep track of their nutrition, here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 583
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 749mg
- Fiber: 3g
Variations of Rotisserie Chicken Pasta
One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Creamy Version: Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the garlic butter sauce for an extra creamy texture.
- Vegetable Additions: Incorporate sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for a veggie-packed version.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some diced jalapeños for a spicier version.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Conclusion:
This Rotisserie Chicken Pasta with Garlic, Herbs, and Olive Oil is the perfect meal for busy families. It’s quick, delicious, and a great way to use leftover chicken. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or as a weeknight meal, it’s guaranteed to satisfy. Enjoy the rich flavors of garlic, olive oil, and parmesan cheese, and don’t hesitate to experiment with the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or extra seasonings. Happy cooking!
