Rotisserie Chicken Pasta

This quick and flavorful Rotisserie Chicken Pasta with Garlic, Herbs, and Olive Oil is perfect for any weeknight meal. It transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, delicious dish your family will love. Utilizing rotisserie chicken makes it a time-saving, budget-friendly option packed with rich flavors.

Ingredients:

  • Pasta: 16 oz penne or preferred type.
  • Rotisserie Chicken: 2 cups chopped or shredded (about half a chicken).
  • Olive Oil: ½ cup extra virgin.
  • Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted.
  • Garlic: 4 cloves, minced or grated.
  • Salt: 1 ½ teaspoons.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon.
  • Herbs: ¼ cup fresh parsley or 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning.
  • Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup grated.

Directions:

  1. Cook the Pasta:
    • Boil pasta according to package instructions, generously salting the water. Add chopped rotisserie chicken during the last 2 minutes of cooking to warm it through. Drain and set aside.
  2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
    • In a saucepan, heat olive oil, butter, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes over medium heat. Stir frequently until garlic turns golden (about 2 minutes). Add dried herbs at this stage if using.
  3. Combine and Serve:
    • Toss the pasta and chicken with the garlic butter sauce. Mix in fresh parsley or Italian seasoning and grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with additional parmesan and herbs as garnish, if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 583 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 58g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Sodium: 749mg
  • Fiber: 3g

Enjoy this versatile, easy-to-make recipe as a family favorite or a last-minute dinner solution!

Exploring the Appeal of Rotisserie Chicken Pasta with Garlic, Herbs, and Olive Oil

When it comes to weeknight meals, few options combine ease, affordability, and flavor as effortlessly as the Rotisserie Chicken Pasta with Garlic, Herbs, and Olive Oil. This dish is a shining example of how simple, readily available ingredients can create something comforting and satisfying without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple responsibilities, or simply someone who loves great food, this pasta recipe delivers in all aspects.

A Dish That Celebrates Simplicity

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Each component works harmoniously to create a symphony of flavors that is far greater than the sum of its parts. The use of rotisserie chicken eliminates the need for time-consuming preparation, allowing you to focus on enhancing the dish with fresh, aromatic elements like garlic, olive oil, and herbs. Meanwhile, the pasta acts as the perfect canvas, absorbing the garlicky butter sauce and providing a hearty base for the other ingredients.

A Practical Weeknight Hero

One of the standout features of this recipe is its practicality. Life often demands quick solutions, and meals like this allow you to maintain a balance between convenience and quality. The rotisserie chicken, which is readily available at most grocery stores, eliminates the need for cooking and shredding meat, saving precious time. Moreover, the ingredients are budget-friendly, making this dish an economical choice for feeding a family or hosting guests without breaking the bank.

Bursting with Flavor

Despite its simplicity, this recipe doesn’t compromise on taste. The garlic butter sauce serves as the heart of the dish, infusing the pasta with a rich, savory aroma. The olive oil adds a smooth, fruity depth, while butter contributes a velvety texture that enhances the sauce. Fresh herbs like parsley or Italian seasoning bring a vibrant earthiness that balances the richness, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes provides a gentle heat to keep your taste buds intrigued.

The addition of parmesan cheese is the finishing touch, offering a salty, nutty element that ties everything together. Each bite is a harmonious blend of creamy, garlicky, and herbaceous notes, making this dish a hit with both adults and kids alike.

Customizable for Every Palate

One of the reasons this recipe is a household favorite is its versatility. While the original recipe uses penne, you can easily substitute it with your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, fusilli, or even gluten-free varieties. For those seeking a lighter option, you might swap the butter for more olive oil or replace half the pasta with spiralized zucchini.

The dish can also be tailored to accommodate various dietary preferences. Vegetarians can skip the chicken and add roasted vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini. If you’re a fan of seafood, shrimp or scallops can replace the chicken for a luxurious twist. The addition of nuts, such as pine nuts or almonds, can add a delightful crunch.

Nutritional Balance and Satisfaction

Not only is this pasta dish delicious, but it also offers a balanced nutritional profile. The combination of pasta and chicken ensures a good mix of carbohydrates and protein, making it a well-rounded meal. Olive oil and butter provide healthy fats, while the garlic and herbs contribute antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. You can increase the fiber content by using whole-grain pasta or adding vegetables to the mix.

At approximately 583 calories per serving, this dish is filling enough to be satisfying without feeling overly heavy, making it suitable for a range of dietary needs and preferences.

Perfect for Any Occasion

While this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, it also works well for other occasions. It’s quick and easy to prepare, yet elegant enough to serve at a casual dinner party. The vibrant colors of the fresh herbs and golden garlic sauce make it visually appealing, and the flavors are universally loved. Pair it with a crisp side salad and a glass of white wine, and you have a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Tips for Success

To elevate this dish even further, here are some tips and tricks:

  1. Use High-Quality Ingredients: Since the recipe relies on a few key components, opt for high-quality olive oil, fresh garlic, and a good block of parmesan cheese for grating.
  2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta provides the best texture and prevents the dish from becoming mushy. Be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking time.
  3. Enhance with Fresh Citrus: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the flavors and add a refreshing zing.
  4. Garnish with Extra Herbs: For an Instagram-worthy presentation, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil on top before serving.
  5. Serve Immediately: The pasta is best enjoyed fresh when the sauce is hot and the cheese melts perfectly.

Conclusion

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta with Garlic, Herbs, and Olive Oil is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to how accessible and satisfying home cooking can be. By combining simple ingredients with thoughtful preparation, this dish offers a delicious solution to the perennial question, “What’s for dinner?” Its versatility, budget-friendliness, and rich flavors make it a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or impressing guests with your culinary skills, this pasta dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Its ability to be customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs ensures it will never grow old. Give this recipe a try, and it might just become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.

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Rotisserie Chicken Pasta


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  • Author: Flora

Description

This quick and flavorful Rotisserie Chicken Pasta with Garlic, Herbs, and Olive Oil is perfect for any weeknight meal. It transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, delicious dish your family will love. Utilizing rotisserie chicken makes it a time-saving, budget-friendly option packed with rich flavors.


Ingredients

  • Pasta: 16 oz penne or preferred type.
  • Rotisserie Chicken: 2 cups chopped or shredded (about half a chicken).
  • Olive Oil: 1/2 cup extra virgin.
  • Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted.
  • Garlic: 4 cloves, minced or grated.
  • Salt: 1 1/2 teaspoons.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon.
  • Herbs: 1/4 cup fresh parsley or 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning.
  • Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup grated.

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta:
    • Boil pasta according to package instructions, generously salting the water. Add chopped rotisserie chicken during the last 2 minutes of cooking to warm it through. Drain and set aside.
  2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
    • In a saucepan, heat olive oil, butter, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes over medium heat. Stir frequently until garlic turns golden (about 2 minutes). Add dried herbs at this stage if using.
  3. Combine and Serve:
    • Toss the pasta and chicken with the garlic butter sauce. Mix in fresh parsley or Italian seasoning and grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with additional parmesan and herbs as garnish, if desired.

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