Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Pasta

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When you need a satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly, Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Pasta is the answer. This dish combines tender shredded rotisserie chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, velvety Parmesan cream sauce that coats every bite. It is ideal for busy weeknights, casual entertaining, or anytime you want a comforting homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Using rotisserie chicken not only saves time but also adds deep, slow-roasted flavor to the dish. Paired with fresh spinach and garlic, this pasta recipe strikes the perfect balance between hearty comfort food and simple elegance. Whether you are cooking for your family or preparing a cozy meal for yourself, this creamy chicken pasta delivers restaurant-quality results at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy preparation using store-bought rotisserie chicken
• Rich and creamy sauce made with simple pantry ingredients
• One-pan sauce for minimal cleanup
• Versatile recipe that works with different pasta shapes
• Family-friendly flavors that appeal to both kids and adults

This recipe is perfect for anyone searching for easy dinner ideas, creamy pasta recipes, or quick chicken meals that do not compromise on flavor.

Ingredients Breakdown

• Rotisserie Chicken – Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken adds convenience and deep flavor. The meat stays tender and absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Pasta – Penne and fettuccine work best for holding the sauce. Penne traps it in the ridges, while fettuccine creates a smooth, restaurant-style bite.
• Heavy Cream – Forms the base of the sauce, delivering a rich, smooth texture that thickens naturally without flour or cornstarch.
• Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan melts seamlessly into the sauce, adding nutty, savory depth and richness.
• Garlic – Minced garlic infuses aromatic flavor and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Chicken Broth – Low-sodium broth balances the richness of the cream and keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy.
• Spinach – Fresh spinach adds color, nutrients, and a light freshness that brightens the dish.
• Olive Oil, Salt, and Pepper – Essential for bringing everything together and allowing precise seasoning control.

Tips and Tricks

• Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded cheese to avoid grainy sauce texture
• Do not boil the cream; keep it at a gentle simmer to prevent separation
• Reserve pasta water to thin the sauce if needed
• Season gradually to avoid over-salting, especially since Parmesan is naturally salty
• Add chicken last to keep it tender and juicy

Variations and Customizations

1. Protein Swap
   Replace rotisserie chicken with grilled chicken, leftover turkey, or even shrimp.
2. Vegetable Additions
   Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, peas, or roasted broccoli work beautifully in this recipe.
3. Lighter Version
   Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly for a lighter sauce.
4. Spicy Twist
   Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for gentle heat.
5. Cheese Variations
   Try Asiago, Romano, or a Parmesan blend for a deeper cheese flavor.

Pairing Suggestions

• Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the creamy sauce
• Pair with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette
• Enjoy with sparkling water or iced tea for a balanced meal
• Add roasted vegetables on the side for extra nutrition

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk or broth
• Freezing: Cream-based sauces can separate when frozen, so freezing is not recommended

For best results, enjoy this pasta fresh or within a day or two.

Popular Questions

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly grated Parmesan melts better and creates a smoother sauce.

What pasta shape works best?

Penne, fettuccine, linguine, and rotini all hold the sauce well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce ahead, but combine it with pasta just before serving for the best texture.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes. The mild, creamy flavor is appealing to children, and spinach blends in easily.

Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Pasta

A quick, comforting pasta dish made with tender rotisserie chicken, a silky garlic cream sauce, and fresh spinach. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something rich, easy, and satisfying.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Dish

Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Equipment

• large pot for pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• knife and cutting board
• measuring cups and spoons
• wooden spoon or spatula

Method

 

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and gently simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Stir in shredded chicken and spinach. Cook for 2 minutes until spinach is wilted.
5. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve warm with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

• Always simmer cream sauces gently to avoid curdling
• Taste before serving and adjust seasoning if needed
• For extra creaminess, add a small knob of butter at the end
• This dish thickens as it cools, so serve immediately

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