This Rotisserie Chicken Pasta is a quick and tasty dish, perfect for busy nights. With tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy sauce, it’s a comforting meal!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a meal that can be made in under 30 minutes? I often add extra veggies to sneak in some greens. It’s a win-win! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotisserie Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. If you’re vegetarian, you could swap in some sautéed mushrooms or cooked tofu for protein.
Pasta: I love using rotini because the sauce clings to its twists. However, you can choose any pasta you have on hand, like penne or farfalle. Gluten-free pasta works too!
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For convenience, use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes. Canned tomatoes can substitute, but be sure to drain them well. You can also use fresh tomatoes for a lighter flavor.
Heavy Cream: If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider swapping in half-and-half or even a plant-based cream alternative. That said, cream gives a rich texture that I really enjoy!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is the best! If you’re dairy-free, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Pecorino Romano works too for a sharper taste.
How Do I Get a Creamy Sauce Without It Curdling?
Making a creamy sauce is all about temperature control and technique! Here are some tips to keep your sauce smooth:
- Do not let the cream boil. Instead, gently simmer it to prevent curdling. If it’s too hot, it can separate.
- Add the cheese gradually and stir until melted. This helps incorporate it evenly without clumping.
- If the sauce gets too thick, you can always add a splash of chicken broth or even some reserved pasta water to thin it out.
Keep these steps in mind, and you’ll have a luscious sauce every time!
How to Make Rotisserie Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Dish:
- 8 oz rotisserie chicken breast, sliced
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or any curly pasta)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed or rehydrated)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes cooking the pasta and preparing the sauce, and then you can enjoy your meal without much fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. When the pasta is done, drain it well and set it aside. Don’t forget to save a little pasta water in case you need to thin out the sauce later!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it can turn bitter quickly!
3. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Add the sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and sauté them for another 1-2 minutes. This will help release their flavors into the oil.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens! Make sure it doesn’t boil, as that can affect the cream.
5. Stir in the Cheese:
Now, add the grated Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until it melts and the sauce thickens slightly. This should give you a lovely creamy texture. Taste and season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to your preference.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Carefully add the cooked pasta into the skillet, making sure to coat it evenly with the sauce. If it seems too thick, a splash of the reserved pasta water can help! If you’re feeling adventurous, add the red pepper flakes at this point for a little heat.
7. Add the Chicken:
Top the pasta with your sliced rotisserie chicken. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together, or keep the chicken on top for a nice presentation.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish the dish with fresh chopped parsley and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Serve this cozy pasta warm and enjoy the delightful flavors!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is a great choice because of its shape, you can use any pasta you prefer, like penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose!
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Just be sure to store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat the sauce gently on the stove and add the cooked pasta, tossing to combine.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream like cashew cream. Keep in mind that this might slightly alter the richness of the sauce, but it will still be delicious!
