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This is the perfect recipe to use up those rotisserie chicken leftovers that are not enough on their own and make a pasta meal the whole family will devour.
Garlic Butter Rotisserie Chicken Pasta
Every time I make this recipe for my family, I hope for leftovers, it’s that good. The simple garlic butter sauce makes this rotisserie chicken pasta a breeze to make, and it feels lighter than eating creamy rotisserie chicken Alfredo.
Ingredients
Pasta of any shape and about half a rotisserie chicken build this meal. The sauce is made by combining olive oil and butter, giving it a rich taste without using cream, and garlic, salt, herbs (dried or fresh), and Parmesan cheese for flavor.
Best Herbs and Spices for Chicken Pasta
Chicken and pasta are both neutral-flavored, which means they pair great with any herbs and spices you want to add. This recipe includes fresh parsley, which can be swapped for thyme or basil. Italian seasoning can be substituted for dried oregano and parsley (I usually mix them). The red pepper flakes add a hint of spice; add more if needed.
How to Make Rotisserie Chicken Pasta
If you can cook pasta, you can make this recipe. Plus, you’ll find a quick video showing you how it’s made in the recipe card. Here is an overview:
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. About 2 minutes before the time in the box, I add the chicken to the water to warm it up and make it moist. Return the pasta and chicken to the pot once drained.
- Make the sauce in a small saucepan while the pasta cooks. It only takes about 2 minutes, so keep an eye on the garlic to ensure it doesn’t burn.
- Pour the garlic sauce over the chicken and pasta, add the Parmesan, and combine.
- Serve it warm, with a slice of no-knead crusty bread, a little bruschetta salad, or an easy side salad.
Olive Oil and Butter Pasta Sauce
Using both gives the sauce that olive oil flavor that pairs well with herbs, along with the rich, creamy texture of butter. Most importantly, the olive oil’s high smoke point lets you toast the garlic without browning the butter.
More Recipes to Make with Leftover Rotisserie Chicken
Use half of a rotisserie in this recipe and the other half to make chicken taco soup, rotisserie chicken chili, pita wraps, or easy chicken tacos.
Garlic & Herb Rotisserie Chicken Pasta
Watch how it’s made:
Ingredients
- 16 ounces penne pasta
- 2-3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped, about ½ rotisserie
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt, reduce by half if butter is salted
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or ground pepper
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning, or ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, basil)
- ⅓ 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. While the pasta cooks, make the sauce.
- A couple of minutes before draining the water, when the pasta is nearly done but a little tough, add the chopped chicken to the pasta. This will heat up the chopped chicken and make it moist again.
- Drain the water and return the pasta and chicken to the pot.
Make the sauce:
- In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the olive oil, butter, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes or ground black pepper. Cook the mixture for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is toasted to a golden color and fragrant but not burned. If you're using Italian seasoning, add it to the sauce to soften the seasonings. Turn off the heat.
Combine:
- Pour the garlic sauce over the pasta, and add the fresh parsley and parmesan cheese. Toss to combine, until all the pasta is coated with the sauce.
Kriz says
The flavor is good and this is an easy recipe. Something quick to make with for dinner with leftover chicken 🙂 Only thing is it was wayyy too salty. Recommend decrease the salt by half or more if you’re not a big salt eater like me. It was so salty I could only eat half my meal.
Laura Fuentes says
Thank you for sharing that you enjoyed the recipe. The salt can definitely be reduced, especially if the butter is already salted. I just noted that in the recipe.
Sandra says
The ultimate recipe for pasta and rotisserie chicken. It’s so good we’ve made it three times in the last couple of weeks.
Greta says
Pasta is my favorite meal and this recipe has taken things to the next level!!! My son and I enjoyed this pasta so much!!
Vicki says
Outstanding, my husband loved it too. I added fresh spinach and Sun dried tomatoes along with a little bit of the pasta water. Will make this again. Thanks for sharing
Sasha says
It turned out amazing will used with leftover grilled chicken too! Only tweak I would make is omit all salt Parmesan cheese is salty to me and I felt like could have omitted and seasoning with salt and it would have been perfect. My family really enjoyed this simple dish.