Quick Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Recipes: Weeknight Wonders (Print Version)

Discover easy leftover rotisserie chicken recipes for quick weeknight dinners. Transform your chicken into delicious, comforting meals with these simple ideas.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Contains Gluten

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
02 - 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
03 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
04 - 2 cups chicken broth
05 - 1 cup frozen peas

→ Flavor Boosters

06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 small yellow onion, diced
08 - 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
09 - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
10 - 2 tbsp olive oil

→ Finishing Touches

11 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

→ Optional Extras

13 - 1 cup fresh spinach
14 - 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

# Instructions:

01 - Boil your chosen pasta according to package directions, but pull it a minute or two early – we want it al dente since it’ll bake later. Honestly, this is where I always forget to salt the water enough, and then the pasta tastes a little… flat. Don't be like me! Drain it, but save a little pasta water. You never know when you'll need it for these easy leftover rotisserie chicken recipes.
02 - While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet. Heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and cook until it's soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add your minced garlic and red pepper flakes, letting them cook for just a minute until fragrant. Oh, I once burnt the garlic here, and the whole dish tasted bitter. Keep an eye on it!
03 - Now, the magic happens! Stir in the chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and then the cream cheese. Whisk it all together until the cream cheese melts into a smooth, dreamy sauce. It should smell so savory and comforting right about now. If it seems too thick, a splash of that reserved pasta water works wonders, I swear. This is key for easy leftover rotisserie chicken recipes.
04 - Add your shredded rotisserie chicken and frozen peas to the sauce. Stir gently to combine, making sure everything is coated in that luscious creaminess. Then, fold in your drained pasta. I always make a bit of a mess here, pasta flying everywhere, but hey, that's real cooking!
05 - Transfer the whole glorious mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese. This is where I always get a little heavy-handed with the cheese, but honestly, can you blame me? It creates the most wonderful golden crust on these easy leftover rotisserie chicken recipes.
06 - Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is golden brown and irresistible. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving – it helps the sauce set up a bit. Garnish with fresh parsley. The whole kitchen will smell incredible. You've just created one of the best easy leftover rotisserie chicken recipes!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcook the pasta initially, or it'll turn mushy in the oven. Trust me, I've been there and it's not fun.
02 - Shred the chicken while it's still warm; it's so much easier to pull apart!
03 - If your sauce seems too thick, a splash of pasta water is your absolute best friend.
04 - For a cozy night, serve this with a simple green salad and a glass of crisp white wine.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large skillet
02 - large pot
03 - baking dish (9x13 inch)
04 - whisk

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 550
Total Fat: 28g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 30g

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