Recipe

The flavors of garlic, herb, and olive oil make this rotisserie chicken pasta a winning, quick recipe for any night of the week.

When those rotisserie chicken leftovers aren't enough on their own, this rotisserie chicken pasta turns them into a quick dinner my whole family devours.

close up view of a garlic and herb pasta with rotisserie chicken

Garlic Butter Rotisserie Chicken Pasta

Laura fuentes holding a skillet of food standing in front of a blue door

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.

close up view pasta with rotisserie chicken with fresh herbs

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.
Follow the package directions. About 2 minutes before the time in the box, I add the chicken to the water to warm it and moisten it. Return the pasta and chicken to the pot once drained.
Make the sauce.
In a separate 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.
Combine.
Pour the garlic-and-herb sauce over the chicken and pasta, add the Parmesan, and toss to 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.

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Garlic & Herb Rotisserie Chicken Pasta

overhead view of a plate with rotisserie chicken pasta with fresh herbs

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 20

The flavors of garlic, herb, and olive oil make this rotisserie chicken pasta a winning, quick recipe for any night of the week.

4.93 from 108 votes

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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.