Looking for a quick and flavorful dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes? This Rotisserie Chicken Pasta with Garlic, Herbs, & Olive Oil is the perfect solution! It’s light yet satisfying, packed with garlicky goodness, fresh herbs, and tender rotisserie chicken. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a simple weekend meal, this pasta dish will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick & Easy – Made in just 25 minutes using store-bought rotisserie chicken.
- Full of Fresh Flavor – Garlic, olive oil, and herbs make every bite delicious.
- Light but Satisfying – No heavy cream or cheese overload—just simple, fresh ingredients.
- Great for Leftovers – Perfect way to use up rotisserie chicken!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pasta & Protein:
- Pasta of choice (12 oz) – Spaghetti, linguine, or penne work great.
- Rotisserie chicken (2 cups, shredded) – Tender and flavorful without extra cooking.
Garlic & Herbs:
- Olive oil (¼ cup) – The base of the sauce.
- Garlic (6 cloves, minced) – The star of the dish!
- Fresh parsley (½ cup, chopped) – Adds a burst of freshness.
- Fresh basil (¼ cup, chopped) – Brings out a classic Italian flavor.
- Red pepper flakes (½ tsp) – Optional, for a little heat.
Additional Flavors:
- Lemon zest (1 tsp) – Brightens up the dish.
- Lemon juice (2 tbsp) – Adds a fresh, tangy balance.
- Salt & black pepper – To taste.
- Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, optional) – For a little extra richness.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for the sauce
- Tongs for tossing the pasta
- Garlic press or knife for mincing
How to Make Rotisserie Chicken Pasta with Garlic, Herbs, & Olive Oil
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Step 3: Add the Chicken & Herbs
Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and toss to coat in the garlicky oil. Cook for about 2 minutes to warm the chicken. Add the chopped parsley and basil, along with the lemon zest and juice.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. If needed, pour in a little reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta smoothly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer to plates and sprinkle with grated Parmesan if desired. Garnish with extra herbs and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad and balsamic vinaigrette.
- Serve with garlic bread for extra indulgence.
- Enjoy with a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Tips for the Best Rotisserie Chicken Pasta
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh herbs and garlic make all the difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Garlic – Burnt garlic can turn bitter, so cook it just until fragrant.
- Save the Pasta Water – It helps bind the sauce and keeps the pasta from drying out.
- Use a Good Olive Oil – Since this dish relies on simple ingredients, high-quality olive oil enhances the flavor.
Storing & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta water.
- Freeze: Not recommended, as the fresh herbs and garlic won’t hold up well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different protein? Yes! Shrimp, grilled chicken, or even sautéed mushrooms work well.
What pasta is best for this recipe? Spaghetti, linguine, or angel hair for a light feel; penne or rigatoni for a heartier dish.
Is this dish spicy? It’s mild, but you can increase the red pepper flakes for more heat.
Conclusion
This Rotisserie Chicken Pasta with Garlic, Herbs, & Olive Oil is the ultimate easy meal that’s light, fresh, and bursting with flavor. With minimal ingredients and quick prep, it’s a perfect go-to recipe for busy days.
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 30g | Carbohydrates: 48g | Fat: 12g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 350mg
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta with Garlic, Herbs, & Olive Oil
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Description
Looking for a quick and flavorful dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes? This Rotisserie Chicken Pasta with Garlic, Herbs, & Olive Oil is the perfect solution! It’s light yet satisfying, packed with garlicky goodness, fresh herbs, and tender rotisserie chicken. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a simple weekend meal, this pasta dish will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Want more easy recipes like this? Subscribe now for weekly inspiration!
Ingredients
Pasta & Protein:
- Pasta of choice (12 oz) – Spaghetti, linguine, or penne work great.
- Rotisserie chicken (2 cups, shredded) – Tender and flavorful without extra cooking.
Garlic & Herbs:
- Olive oil (¼ cup) – The base of the sauce.
- Garlic (6 cloves, minced) – The star of the dish!
- Fresh parsley (½ cup, chopped) – Adds a burst of freshness.
- Fresh basil (¼ cup, chopped) – Brings out a classic Italian flavor.
- Red pepper flakes (½ tsp) – Optional, for a little heat.
Additional Flavors:
- Lemon zest (1 tsp) – Brightens up the dish.
- Lemon juice (2 tbsp) – Adds a fresh, tangy balance.
- Salt & black pepper – To taste.
- Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, optional) – For a little extra richness.
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and toss to coat in the garlicky oil. Cook for about 2 minutes to warm the chicken. Add the chopped parsley and basil, along with the lemon zest and juice.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. If needed, pour in a little reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta smoothly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Transfer to plates and sprinkle with grated Parmesan if desired. Garnish with extra herbs and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh herbs and garlic make all the difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Garlic – Burnt garlic can turn bitter, so cook it just until fragrant.
- Save the Pasta Water – It helps bind the sauce and keeps the pasta from drying out.
- Use a Good Olive Oil – Since this dish relies on simple ingredients, high-quality olive oil enhances the flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
