Quick Lemon Herb Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Pasta (Print Version)

Transform leftover rotisserie chicken into a quick, creamy lemon herb pasta. Easy, flavorful weeknight meal perfect for busy evenings.

# 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

# Ingredients:

→ Main Players

01 - 2 cups shredded cooked rotisserie chicken
02 - 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
03 - 1 cup heavy cream
04 - 1/2 cup chicken broth
05 - 1 large lemon

→ Flavor Boosters

06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 small shallot, finely chopped
08 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
09 - 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
10 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

→ Pantry Staples

11 - 1 tbsp olive oil
12 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter
13 - Salt to taste
14 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Optional Swirls

15 - Pinch of red pepper flakes
16 - Handful of fresh spinach

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get your kitchen organized – or at least, try to! Shred that beautiful leftover rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces. While you're at it, mince your garlic and finely chop your shallot. This is where I always get a little messy with garlic skins, but hey, that's real cooking, right? Get a big pot of salted water on for your pasta; you want it boiling like crazy before the noodles go in. It’s a small detail, but it matters for good pasta.
02 - In a large skillet or a Dutch oven, melt a tablespoon of butter with a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your minced shallot. Let it soften for a couple of minutes until it’s translucent and smells sweet – oh, that smell, it's the start of something good! Then, add your garlic and cook for just another minute until fragrant. Don't let it brown; burnt garlic is just sad, and I've made that mistake more times than I care to admit. Keep it moving!
03 - Pour in your chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer, letting it reduce slightly for about 3-5 minutes. This concentrates the chicken flavor, which is a big win. Next, slowly whisk in the heavy cream. I usually do this in a couple of additions, making sure it’s smooth before adding more. This is where the sauce really starts to come together, transforming from simple liquids into a creamy dream. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper here; taste it and adjust, you're the chef!
04 - While your sauce is doing its thing, cook your pasta according to package directions until it's perfectly al dente. This is crucial! Drain it, but don't rinse it – we want that starchy water clinging to the noodles to help the sauce stick. Add your shredded rotisserie chicken to the simmering cream sauce, stirring gently to warm it through. Then, carefully add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is beautifully coated. This step always feels like magic to me, seeing it all come together.
05 - Take the skillet off the heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it's melted and smooth. Now for the star brighteners: squeeze in the juice from half your lemon and add a good handful of your chopped fresh parsley and dill. Give it another good toss. The kitchen will smell incredible, honestly, a burst of fresh, herby, lemony goodness! This is where you can really see the vibrancy of this Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Recipe.
06 - Plate generous portions immediately. I like to finish each serving with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, a little more fresh parsley, and sometimes a tiny grating of lemon zest right over the top – it just makes it look so inviting! A crack of fresh black pepper never hurts either. The final result should be a creamy, comforting bowl of pasta that's bursting with flavor, perfect for a satisfying meal. Enjoy your delicious creation!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcook the pasta! Al dente is key for this sauce.
02 - This sauce thickens a lot in the fridge; add a splash of broth when reheating.
03 - No fresh herbs? Dried will work, but use less - about 1/3 the amount.
04 - A little lemon zest at the end really brightens everything up.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large skillet or Dutch oven
02 - large pot for pasta
03 - cheese grater

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 550 kcal
Total Fat: 32g
Total Carbohydrate: 40g
Protein: 28g

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