Rotisserie Chicken Alfredo is a comforting and creamy pasta dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Using store-bought rotisserie chicken, this recipe comes together quickly and delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home. The rich Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta create a satisfying and delicious meal the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Using rotisserie chicken saves time and effort.
- Creamy and rich: The Alfredo sauce is silky and full of flavor.
- Family-friendly: A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy.
- Versatile: You can add vegetables or adjust ingredients to suit your taste.
- Perfect for leftovers: Great for meal prep or lunch the next day.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Directions
- Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the shredded rotisserie chicken to the sauce and heat through.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce and chicken until well coated.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add Veggies: Incorporate steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas for added nutrition.
- Swap the Pasta: Use penne, linguine, or your favorite pasta shape.
- Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the Alfredo sauce.
- Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the chicken broth is gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving to prevent the sauce from separating.
FAQs
How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from becoming grainy?
To avoid a grainy sauce, gradually add the Parmesan cheese to the warm (not boiling) sauce and stir continuously until smooth.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. You can thicken it by adding a bit of flour or cornstarch.
What other cheeses can I use?
You can mix in Romano or Asiago cheese for a different flavor profile.
Can I freeze Rotisserie Chicken Alfredo?
Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well as they can separate. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh or within a few days of refrigeration.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Use whole wheat pasta, reduced-fat cream, and add plenty of vegetables.
What type of rotisserie chicken should I use?
Any flavor works, but traditional or herb-seasoned rotisserie chicken complements the Alfredo sauce best.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and chicken mixture ahead of time. Store separately from the pasta and combine when ready to serve.
How do I keep the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook the pasta al dente and toss it with a bit of olive oil if storing before combining with the sauce.
What can I serve with Rotisserie Chicken Alfredo?
Serve with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Is this dish suitable for kids?
Yes, it’s creamy and not too strong in flavor, making it a hit with kids.
Conclusion
Rotisserie Chicken Alfredo is a rich and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s quick, easy, and endlessly adaptable to suit your tastes. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal, this recipe delivers creamy, delicious results every time. Give it a try and enjoy a restaurant-quality pasta dish at home!
Print
Rotisserie Chicken Alfredo
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Rotisserie Chicken Alfredo is a quick and creamy pasta dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The rich, velvety Alfredo sauce, tender rotisserie chicken, and fettuccine come together in just 25 minutes for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking garlic, optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta. -
Prepare the sauce:
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. (Optional: Add olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.) Pour in the heavy cream, stirring until combined. Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. -
Add chicken and cheese:
Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken until warmed through. Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth. -
Combine with pasta:
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve the desired sauce consistency. -
Serve:
Divide into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy!
Notes
- For added flavor, sauté garlic before adding cream.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, use reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or water.