Simple Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Bake: Weeknight Comfort (Print Version)
Whip up a comforting, easy rotisserie chicken pasta bake for busy nights. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this recipe is a family favorite.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American (Comfort Food)
Dietary: Contains dairy, can be made gluten-free with substitutions.
# Ingredients:
→ Main Players
01 -
2-3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
02 -
12 ounces short pasta (like penne or rotini)
03 -
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 -
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
05 -
2 cups whole milk
06 -
1 cup chicken broth
→ Flavor Boosters
07 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 -
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
09 -
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
10 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Cheesy Goodness
11 -
1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
12 -
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
→ Optional Extras
13 -
1/2 cup frozen peas
14 -
Fresh parsley, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get that pasta boiling. I always forget to salt the water enough, so learn from my mistakes! Cook it to al dente according to package directions, because it'll finish cooking in the oven. While that's happening, you can start on the sauce – multi-tasking, baby! Drain well and set aside once cooked.
02 -
In a big oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, melt your butter over medium heat. It should smell nutty and warm. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk it like crazy for about a minute, until it forms a pale, bubbly roux. You want a pale roux, not burned! This is where the magic starts for our easy rotisserie chicken recipes.
03 -
Slowly, and I mean *slowly*, pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. This step takes a minute, but don't rush it! I've had lumpy sauce before, and trust me, it's a bummer. Keep whisking until it thickens up and coats the back of a spoon, about 3-5 minutes.
04 -
Now for the flavor! Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in your garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, a good pinch of salt, and pepper. Then, stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar and 3/4 cup of the mozzarella until melted and smooth. This cheesy, flavorful base is the heart of our easy rotisserie chicken recipes, making it so rich!
05 -
Add the drained, cooked pasta to the sauce, along with your shredded rotisserie chicken and any optional frozen peas. Give it a good stir, making sure everything is coated in that luscious, cheesy sauce. This is where it starts looking like a proper meal, smelling incredible and truly embodying what easy rotisserie chicken recipes are all about.
06 -
If you didn't use an oven-safe pot, pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar and 1/4 cup mozzarella. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until it's bubbly around the edges and the cheese is golden and delicious. Let it sit for a few minutes before digging in – seriously, resist the urge! Garnish with fresh parsley if you're feeling fancy.
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcook the pasta initially; it'll get mushy in the oven later.
02 -
Whisk constantly when adding liquids to the roux - lumps are no fun, trust me.
03 -
Always taste the sauce before adding the chicken and pasta; adjust seasonings then!
04 -
For extra crispiness on top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch it like a hawk!
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot or Dutch oven (oven-safe)
02 -
whisk
03 -
9x13 inch baking dish
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 25-35g
Total Carbohydrate: 35-45g
Protein: 30-40g