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Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Pasta: I used gemelli because its shape holds sauce nicely. If you don’t have gemelli, pasta like penne or fusilli works great, too. Any short pasta can fit the bill!

Bacon: Bacon adds a lovely smokiness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon or pancetta can be an alternative. You can also skip it altogether if you prefer a meatless dish.

Heavy Cream: While heavy cream gives a rich texture, you can substitute it with half-and-half or a lighter cream for fewer calories. For a non-dairy option, try coconut cream or cashew cream!

Rotisserie Chicken: This is the star of the dish! Using a rotisserie chicken saves time. If you don’t have one, you can use leftover grilled chicken or even canned chicken in a pinch.

How Do You Make Sure the Pasta Stays Al Dente?

Cooking pasta just right is key! To keep it al dente, follow these simple steps:

• Start with plenty of salted water – it should taste like the sea!
• Check the package instructions for cooking time and set a timer for 1-2 minutes less than recommended.
• Taste the pasta a minute before it’s done; it should be firm but not hard. If it has a slight bite, it’s perfect!
• Immediately drain the pasta, but don’t rinse! Rinsing washes away the starch that helps the sauce stick.

Follow these tips for a great pasta base that complements the creamy sauce perfectly!

How to Make Rotisserie Chicken Pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Pasta:

• 12 oz gemelli or other short pasta (e.g., penne, fusilli)

For the Sauce:

• 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1/2 lb bacon, diced
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or stock
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Chicken:

• 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded (about 3 cups)

To Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing and cooking the ingredients, and about 20 minutes simmering and assembling everything together. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy nights!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

Start by boiling a large pot of water. Once it’s boiling, add salt to the water and then your pasta. Cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta but remember to save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later!

2. Cook the Bacon:

While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and fry it until crispy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to absorb excess grease while keeping the bacon fat in the pan.

3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:

In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—your kitchen is going to smell amazing!

4. Add the Tomatoes:

Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook them for about 3 minutes until they start to soften and blister. This will enhance their flavor!

5. Make the Sauce:

Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and let it gently simmer. After that, add the heavy cream and stir to combine. Allow it to simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

6. Combine Chicken and Season:

Mix in the shredded rotisserie chicken and the crispy bacon you cooked earlier. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your taste.

7. Add the Pasta:

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the drained pasta into the skillet and toss everything to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually pour in the reserved pasta water, a bit at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

8. Finish with Cheese and Serve:

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and is fully combined in the dish. Finally, garnish your pasta with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty Rotisserie Chicken Pasta!

This delicious dish is creamy, flavorful, and has the added bonus of being quick to whip up. Enjoy every bite!

Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package because gluten-free pasta can have different cooking times.

How Can I Store Leftovers?

Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Pasta should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter alternative to heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk or almond milk can work too, but keep in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly.

Can I Add More Vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to add any vegetables you love. Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini are great options that will cook down well. Just sauté them with the onions for the same amount of time as the recipe suggests!