Garlic & Herb Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you crave comforting pasta dinners that are fuss-free but bursting with fresh flavor, you’re going to fall in love with Garlic & Herb Rotisserie Chicken Pasta. This speedy, soul-warming dish brings together tender rotisserie chicken, fragrant garlic, and plenty of herby goodness, swirled through perfectly cooked penne. Best of all? It’s on your table in 20 minutes flat, weeknight magic at its most craveable!

Ingredients You’ll Need

All it takes is a few familiar favorites to create Garlic & Herb Rotisserie Chicken Pasta that tastes straight from a restaurant kitchen. Every ingredient brings something special—whether it’s a pop of color, a creamy finish, or a punch of savoriness!

• Penne pasta (16 ounces): The tubular shape hugs all that luscious sauce and tender chicken—any short-cut pasta works great here.
• Rotisserie chicken (2 cups, chopped): Store-bought rotisserie keeps things quick and juicy; use a mix of white and dark meat for best flavor.
• Extra-virgin olive oil (½ cup): Lends rich, peppery flavor and silkiness to the pasta, forming the base of the sauce.
• Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Adds creamy depth and rounds out the garlicky, herbal notes—salted butter works, just reduce added salt.
• Garlic cloves (4, minced): This is where the magic happens: fresh garlic brings boldness and warmth you just can’t skip!
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Brightens and enhances every element—taste as you go, especially if using salted butter.
• Red pepper flakes or ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A hint of gentle heat; use more or less to suit your spice preference.
• Chopped flat-leaf parsley (¼ cup) or Italian seasoning (2 tablespoons): Choose fresh parsley for brightness, or Italian seasoning for a more robust, herby profile.
• Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Adds a nutty, salty finish and melts smoothly into the warm pasta.

Variations

Part of the magic of Garlic & Herb Rotisserie Chicken Pasta is how inviting it is to play around with what you have on hand. Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins, adjust to dietary needs, or make it even more vibrant and flavorful.

• Veggie Boost: Stir in sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli at the end for color, crunch, and extra nutrition.
• Creamy Dreamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone to the sauce for a richer, silkier texture.
• Swap the Pasta: Swap penne for gluten-free pasta, rigatoni, farfalle, or even noodles—this dish is pasta-friendly!
• Add Some Zest: For a Mediterranean flair, finish with fresh lemon zest or a handful of sliced olives before serving.

How to Make Garlic & Herb Rotisserie Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta & Warm the Chicken

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your penne pasta according to package directions until just shy of al dente. Here’s a handy shortcut: in the last two minutes of cooking, toss in the chopped rotisserie chicken so it warms through perfectly, making it juicy and tender without drying out.

Step 2: Drain and Reserve

Drain the pasta and chicken together, then return them right back into the hot pot. This keeps everything steamy and ready to soak up the glorious sauce you’re about to make—plus, it’s one less pan to wash!

Step 3: Sizzle the Garlic & Herbs

In a small saucepan, combine your olive oil, butter, minced garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes or black pepper. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring often, until the garlic is golden and fragrant but not browned—about 2 minutes. If using Italian seasoning, add it now so the herbs bloom in the oil and butter, unlocking their best flavor.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the sizzling garlic and herby oil over your pasta and chicken. Add the parsley (if using fresh) and sprinkle with parmesan. Toss everything together enthusiastically—every penne should be glossy and coated in that mouthwatering, fragrant sauce!

Step 5: Plate and Enjoy

Scoop generous servings into bowls, garnish as you like, and dig into pasta bliss. This is comfort food, leveled up. Garlic & Herb Rotisserie Chicken Pasta is at its absolute best right out of the pot, steaming and aromatic!

How to Serve Garlic & Herb Rotisserie Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra parmesan, a handful of chopped parsley, or a few twists of fresh black pepper add spark and pizzazz. For a restaurant-style touch, drizzle a few drops of good olive oil or scatter thinly sliced scallions for color and complexity. Garlic & Herb Rotisserie Chicken Pasta truly shines with even the simplest garnish!

Side Dishes

This pasta’s creamy, herby flavors are absolute perfection with a crisp green salad and a buttery piece of garlic bread. For a more substantial meal, try roasted asparagus, balsamic-glazed mushrooms, or a bright caprese salad alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For cozy gatherings, serve Garlic & Herb Rotisserie Chicken Pasta family-style in a big bowl for guests to help themselves. Or, plate it up in shallow bowls, topped with parmesan curls and a lemon wedge. You can even spoon portions into ramekins, top with cheese, and broil for a bubbly pasta bake!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic & Herb Rotisserie Chicken Pasta keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld and intensify, making every bite just as delicious (if not better) the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze portions tightly sealed for up to one month—just note that the texture of the pasta may soften slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze before adding any fresh herbs or extra cheese, and stir those in after reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply transfer portions to a skillet with a splash of water or broth and warm over medium-low heat, stirring to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too—cover and reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between for even warmth and silky texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope Garlic & Herb Rotisserie Chicken Pasta becomes your new weeknight hero—easy, comforting, and utterly irresistible every single time. Give it a whirl and let your kitchen fill up with the incredible aroma. You might just start craving pasta night a little more often!

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