Quick Rotisserie Chicken Pesto Pasta: Weeknight Magic (Print Version)

Easy Rotisserie Chicken Pesto Pasta is your weeknight savior! Transform store-bought rotisserie chicken into a flavorful, quick meal. Perfect for busy evenings.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Gluten, Tree Nuts (Pesto often contains pine nuts)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 (2 lb) cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
02 - 12 oz short pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
03 - 1/2 cup basil pesto (jarred or homemade)
04 - 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 5 oz fresh spinach

→ Flavor Boosters

06 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
07 - 2 tbsp olive oil
08 - Salt to taste
09 - Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

→ Optional Extras

10 - Reserved pasta water (about 1 cup)
11 - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
12 - Red pepper flakes, for a kick (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get that glorious rotisserie chicken ready. I usually just pull it apart with my hands – it’s a bit messy, but honestly, it’s the quickest way. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones. Sometimes I get a little carried away and shred too much, but it’s all good, more chicken for the pasta! This is where I always sneak a little taste, just to make sure it’s up to par, you know?
02 - Next, grab your favorite large pot and fill it with water. Don't forget to generously salt that water! I always forget to salt the water, then kick myself later because it makes such a difference in the final flavor. Bring it to a rolling boil and add your pasta. Cook according to package directions until it's al dente. While it’s bubbling away, the kitchen starts to smell like a proper dinner is on its way, which is always a good sign.
03 - Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, but hold onto about a cup of that starchy pasta water – it's liquid gold for our sauce! Return the drained pasta to the pot (off the heat). Now, add the shredded Rotisserie Chicken, your basil pesto, and those lovely halved cherry tomatoes right into the warm pasta. The residual heat from the pasta will start to warm everything through, making it smell absolutely divine.
04 - Time for the fresh spinach! Add a generous handful to the pot. Give everything a good stir. You’ll see the spinach wilt down almost instantly from the warmth of the pasta and chicken. If the sauce looks a little too thick for your liking, now’s the time to drizzle in a tablespoon or two of that reserved pasta water. It helps create a silky, luscious sauce, trust me on this! I've added too much once, and it got a bit watery, so go slow.
05 - Now for the finishing touches! Add a good amount of grated Parmesan cheese – honestly, I never measure, just sprinkle until it looks right. Drizzle in a touch of olive oil, then season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Give it another gentle stir to combine everything beautifully. This is where the magic happens, and the flavors really start to meld. You'll see that gorgeous green pesto coating every strand!
06 - And just like that, your easy Rotisserie Chicken Pesto Pasta is ready! Ladle generous portions into bowls. If you're feeling extra fancy (or just love cheese like I do), sprinkle a little more Parmesan on top, maybe a few fresh basil leaves if you have them. The aroma filling your kitchen right now is pure happiness. The flavors are bright, savory, and just so comforting. Dig in, you've earned this quick and delicious meal!

# Notes:

01 - Always salt your pasta water like the ocean; it's the only chance to season the pasta itself from the inside out. I learned this the hard way after years of bland pasta!
02 - This Rotisserie Chicken Pesto Pasta stores beautifully in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge, making it a fantastic meal-prep option.
03 - If you're out of basil pesto, sun-dried tomato pesto works surprisingly well for a different, richer flavor profile.
04 - Serve with a crisp green salad and a glass of chilled white wine for a truly delightful and easy weeknight meal.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large pot
02 - colander
03 - measuring cups and spoons

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 550 kcal
Total Fat: 30g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 35g

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