This Garlic & Herb Rotisserie Chicken Pasta is a quick, flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender rotisserie chicken, al dente pasta, and a garlicky, buttery herb-infused sauce come together in a comforting, satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a lifesaver for busy nights.
Full of Flavor: A rich garlic and herb sauce elevates the rotisserie chicken and pasta.

Great Use of Leftovers: Rotisserie chicken and pantry staples make this an economical and efficient meal.
Family-Friendly: A comforting dish that even picky eaters will enjoy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Penne pasta – 16 ounces
Rotisserie chicken, chopped – 2 cups (about ½ rotisserie chicken)
Extra-virgin olive oil – ½ cup

Unsalted butter – 4 tablespoons
Garlic cloves, minced – 4
Salt – 1½ teaspoons

Red pepper flakes or ground black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
Flat-leaf parsley, chopped – ¼ cup
Parmesan cheese, grated – ¼ cup

Italian seasoning (optional) – 2 tablespoons

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until nearly al dente.
A couple of minutes before draining, add the chopped chicken to the boiling water to heat it through and keep it moist.

Drain the pasta and chicken, and return them to the pot.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Herb Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine olive oil, butter, minced garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes or black pepper.
Heat over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the garlic is golden and fragrant (about 2 minutes). Be careful not to burn the garlic.

If using Italian seasoning, stir it into the sauce to soften and infuse the flavors. Turn off the heat.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

Pour the garlic herb sauce over the pasta and chicken.
Add the chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a meat-free version.

Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes for a spicier sauce.
Creamy Twist: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or cream cheese to create a creamy garlic sauce.
Different Proteins: Swap rotisserie chicken with cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or sausage.

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape works well, such as fettuccine, linguine, or rigatoni.

2. What if I don’t have rotisserie chicken?

You can use any cooked chicken, such as grilled, baked, or shredded.

3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the garlic herb sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before combining with the pasta and chicken.

4. Can I freeze this dish?

While the pasta and chicken freeze well, the sauce may separate when thawed. For best results, freeze the chicken and pasta without the sauce, then make the sauce fresh when reheating.

5. What can I serve with this dish?

Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

6. How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Cook the garlic over medium heat and stir constantly. Remove from heat as soon as it turns golden.

7. Can I add vegetables to the pasta?

Absolutely! Add steamed broccoli, peas, or roasted cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.

8. What kind of Parmesan cheese works best?

Freshly grated Parmesan or Parmigiano-Reggiano offers the best flavor and texture.

9. Can I substitute butter with more olive oil?

Yes, but the butter adds a rich flavor that complements the garlic and herbs.

10. How can I make this dish lighter?

Reduce the amount of olive oil and butter, and use whole-grain or chickpea pasta for a healthier twist.

Conclusion

Garlic & Herb Rotisserie Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a savory garlic sauce, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a family favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting, home-cooked meal, this pasta dish is sure to please. Try it tonight and savor the goodness!