If you’re staring at a store-bought rotisserie chicken and wondering what to make with rotisserie chicken (just 1 recipe!), you’re in the right place. Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver on busy weeknights — it’s flavorful, juicy, and already cooked, which means you can turn it into a hearty meal in minutes.
Today, I’m sharing one delicious, versatile recipe you can make with rotisserie chicken that’s perfect for dinner, lunch prep, or even entertaining: Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Bake.
This recipe is quick, satisfying, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s dive in!
Why Use Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Rotisserie chicken is the ultimate shortcut ingredient. Instead of spending an hour roasting a whole chicken, you can shred one in minutes and have dinner on the table faster. Here’s why this recipe works perfectly with it:
- Saves time: No need to cook chicken from scratch.
- Adds flavor: The seasoned skin and juicy meat give your dish a depth of flavor.
- Reduces food waste: Use up every last bit — even the bones can be saved for homemade chicken stock.
Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Bake (One-Recipe Solution)
This is the one recipe you need when deciding what to make with rotisserie chicken. It’s creamy, cheesy, and cozy — everything you want in a comfort food dinner.
Ingredients
Serves 4–6
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (about half of a whole chicken)
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini work great)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk for creaminess, but 2% works)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach or frozen peas (optional for added veggies)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for crunchy topping)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just al dente (it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Sprinkle in flour and whisk to create a roux. Slowly add milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly until smooth. Cook until the sauce thickens (about 3–4 minutes).
3. Add the Good Stuff
Stir in shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add shredded rotisserie chicken and spinach (if using) to the sauce. Mix until everything is coated and creamy.
4. Assemble the Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, combine cooked pasta with the creamy chicken mixture. Top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs for crunch.
5. Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is a winner because it’s:
- Simple: Just one pan for the sauce and one baking dish.
- Customizable: Use whatever pasta, cheese, or veggies you have.
- Crowd-pleasing: Perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Variations to Try
If you want to change things up, here are some creative ways to use rotisserie chicken in this recipe:
- Buffalo Style: Add ¼ cup buffalo sauce to the cream sauce and top with blue cheese crumbles.
- Tex-Mex Twist: Swap mozzarella for cheddar, add black beans and corn, and top with crushed tortilla chips.
- Mushroom Lover’s Version: Sauté sliced mushrooms with onions for extra umami.
- Low-Carb Option: Use cooked cauliflower florets instead of pasta for a keto-friendly bake.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for busy weekdays.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Assemble the bake, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15 extra minutes to the cook time.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through or microwave individual portions.
FAQ – What to Make with Rotisserie Chicken
Can I use dark and white meat together?
Yes! Using both white (breast) and dark (thigh/leg) meat adds more flavor and keeps the bake juicy.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What other dishes can I make with rotisserie chicken?
If you’re looking beyond this one recipe, try chicken enchiladas, chicken salad sandwiches, chicken pot pie, or even chicken soup.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been wondering what to make with rotisserie chicken (just 1 recipe!), this creamy chicken pasta bake is your answer. It’s quick, easy, family-friendly, and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Grab a rotisserie chicken on your next grocery run and try this dish — you might just add it to your weekly dinner rotation.