Okay, let’s dive into one of my all-time favorite weeknight meals: easy rotisserie chicken alfredo. I can practically smell the creamy sauce simmering on the stove just thinking about it! I remember the first time I made this dish – it was a Tuesday, I was running late after picking up the kids, and dinner needed to be on the table, like, yesterday. I had a rotisserie chicken in the fridge and a jar of alfredo sauce in the pantry, and a lightbulb went off. I threw it all together with some pasta, and BOOM! A family favorite was born.
There have been mishaps, of course. One time, I accidentally used sweetened condensed milk instead of heavy cream (don’t ask!), and it was… *interesting*, to say the least. The kids still ate it, bless their hearts! But over the years, I’ve perfected this easy rotisserie chicken alfredo recipe, and now it’s a staple in our house. This dish is a lifesaver on those crazy weeknights, and it’s so good that even my picky eaters gobble it up. It’s comfort food at its finest, and it’s incredibly easy to make. It’s one of those recipes that just works, you know?
This easy rotisserie chicken alfredo recipe has seriously saved me on many occasions. It is so fast, and my whole family loves it!
Trust me, once you try this easy rotisserie chicken alfredo, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it all along!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this easy rotisserie chicken alfredo.
- 1 pound pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite shape)
- 1 rotisserie chicken, meat removed and shredded (about 3 cups)
- 1 jar (15-16 ounces) alfredo sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1/2 cup frozen peas or broccoli florets
I always use fresh Parmesan cheese for my easy rotisserie chicken alfredo because it melts beautifully and adds a depth of flavor that you just can’t get with the pre-shredded stuff. But hey, if you’re short on time, the pre-shredded works too! You can usually find good quality Parmesan at most grocery stores.
Here’s an easy rotisserie chicken alfredo trick I learned from my mom: always reserve a little bit of the pasta water before draining. If your sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to thin it out and make it extra creamy.
For even more convenience when making easy rotisserie chicken alfredo, I sometimes buy pre-minced garlic to save a few minutes of prep time. It’s a total lifesaver on busy weeknights!
For cost-saving tips, keep an eye out for sales on rotisserie chickens at your local grocery store. They’re often cheaper on certain days of the week, and you can shred the chicken and freeze it for later use in this easy rotisserie chicken alfredo or other recipes. Opting for store-brand pasta and alfredo sauce can also significantly reduce the overall cost without sacrificing too much on flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different brands to find the ones that suit your taste and budget.
As for storage, if you have leftover Parmesan cheese, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will last for several weeks. Be sure to follow the CDC’s guidance for safe chicken handling, found here: CDC on Safe Chicken Handling
How to Make Easy Rotisserie Chicken Alfredo – Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get cooking and make this easy rotisserie chicken alfredo! Don’t worry, it’s so simple that even the most beginner cook can nail it. I’m here to guide you through every step!
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Nobody likes burnt garlic in their easy rotisserie chicken alfredo.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the alfredo sauce and heavy cream. Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Add the Parmesan cheese and garlic powder. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Add the Chicken and Pasta: Add the shredded rotisserie chicken to the sauce and stir to combine. Gently fold in the cooked pasta until it is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Season and Serve: Season the easy rotisserie chicken alfredo with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
I learned the hard way with easy rotisserie chicken alfredo that it’s better to slightly undercook the pasta than overcook it. The pasta will continue to cook a little bit in the sauce, so you don’t want it to become mushy.
In my kitchen, this easy rotisserie chicken alfredo usually takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s seriously one of the quickest meals I make!
If you’re worried about the sauce being too thick, remember that reserved pasta water is your best friend! Add it a tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches the perfect consistency.
While the easy rotisserie chicken alfredo is cooking, I usually set the table and get the side dishes ready. Efficiency is key when you’re trying to get dinner on the table quickly!
Your easy rotisserie chicken alfredo should smell like a delicious combination of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and creamy sauce. It’s an aroma that will make everyone’s mouth water!
A family-tested shortcut is to use pre-cooked pasta, like the kind you find in the refrigerated section. It cuts down on the cooking time even more, making this easy rotisserie chicken alfredo even faster to prepare.
Serving Suggestions for Your Rotisserie Chicken Alfredo
Now for the best part – serving this delicious easy rotisserie chicken alfredo!
The kids love our easy rotisserie chicken alfredo when I serve it with a side of garlic bread. They love dipping the bread in the creamy sauce! You could also add a side of green salad, like a Caesar.
My go-to side dish is roasted broccoli. It’s a healthy and flavorful addition that complements the richness of the alfredo sauce. Plus, the kids actually eat it (most of the time!).
This easy rotisserie chicken alfredo is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual get-together with friends, or even a potluck. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!
For presentation, I like to sprinkle a generous amount of fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese on top of the easy rotisserie chicken alfredo before serving. It makes it look extra fancy, even though it’s such an easy dish to make.
If you have extra easy rotisserie chicken alfredo, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to thin out the sauce. When reheating on the stovetop, stir frequently to prevent the sauce from sticking and burning. Adding a little extra Parmesan cheese during reheating can also help to revive the creamy texture.
For a seasonal variation, try adding some roasted vegetables like butternut squash or sweet potatoes in the fall. It adds a touch of sweetness and a pop of color to the easy rotisserie chicken alfredo. In the spring, consider adding asparagus or peas for a fresh and vibrant twist.
My friends always ask for this easy rotisserie chicken alfredo recipe whenever I make it for them. It’s one of those dishes that everyone loves, and nobody can believe how easy it is to make!
Check out this other simple dish too for an easy chicken bake: easy-alfredo-chicken-bake
FAQs About Easy Rotisserie Chicken Alfredo
I get a lot of questions about this easy rotisserie chicken alfredo recipe, so I thought I’d answer some of the most common ones here.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta shape you like. Fettuccine is the classic choice, but penne, spaghetti, or even bow tie pasta would work well in this easy rotisserie chicken alfredo. Experiment with different shapes and sizes to find your favorite combination. For a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free pasta, which works just as well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
While you can cook the pasta ahead of time, I recommend making the sauce and adding the chicken and pasta just before serving. This will prevent the pasta from becoming mushy and the sauce from drying out. If you do need to make it ahead, consider slightly undercooking the pasta and adding a little extra sauce to keep it moist.
Can I add vegetables?
Of course! Adding vegetables is a great way to add some extra nutrients to this easy rotisserie chicken alfredo. Some good options include broccoli, peas, spinach, mushrooms, or roasted vegetables. Sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the sauce can enhance their flavor and texture.
My sauce is too thick. What should I do?
You know what I do when my easy rotisserie chicken alfredo sauce is too thick? Add a splash of the reserved pasta water or milk until it reaches your desired consistency. The starch in the pasta water helps to bind the sauce and create a creamy texture.
My sauce is too thin. What should I do?
If your easy rotisserie chicken alfredo sauce is too thin, you can simmer it for a few minutes to allow it to thicken. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water to help thicken it up. Be sure to stir constantly while simmering to prevent the sauce from scorching.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute other cheeses for Parmesan cheese. Asiago, Romano, or even a blend of Italian cheeses would work well in this easy rotisserie chicken alfredo. Each cheese will add a unique flavor profile, so experiment to find your favorite combination. A little bit of mozzarella can also add a nice, melty texture to the dish.
Can I use grilled chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! If you have leftover grilled chicken, it would be a delicious addition to this easy rotisserie chicken alfredo. You can also use canned chicken, but it won’t have as much flavor as rotisserie or grilled chicken. Season the grilled chicken with your favorite herbs and spices for an extra layer of flavor.
Can I make this dairy-free?
I haven’t tried it myself, but I’ve heard that you can make this easy rotisserie chicken alfredo dairy-free by using a dairy-free alfredo sauce and dairy-free cheese. There are many great dairy-free alternatives available these days, so it’s definitely worth a try if you have dietary restrictions. Look for sauces made from cashew cream or other plant-based ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This easy rotisserie chicken alfredo recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a reminder that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated. It’s a simple, comforting dish that my family always loves, and it’s a lifesaver on those busy weeknights when I need to get dinner on the table quickly.
Here are my easy rotisserie chicken alfredo Pro Tips:
- Don’t overcook the pasta: It will continue to cook in the sauce, so aim for al dente.
- Reserve pasta water: It’s liquid gold for adjusting the consistency of the sauce.
- Taste and season: Don’t be afraid to adjust the salt, pepper, and garlic powder to your liking.
Here are a few easy rotisserie chicken alfredo variations that I’ve tried with my family:
- Spicy Chicken Alfredo: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
- Chicken Alfredo with Roasted Vegetables: Roast some vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and zucchini and add them to the pasta.
- Chicken Alfredo with Pesto: Swirl in a spoonful of pesto for a burst of fresh flavor.
My son loves the spicy version, while my daughter prefers the classic easy rotisserie chicken alfredo with roasted vegetables.
I hope you enjoy making this easy rotisserie chicken alfredo as much as my family and I do. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your house too! Remember to look to this creamy chicken dish, found at: Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make it your own. Cooking should be fun and creative, so have fun with it!
Happy cooking!
PrintEasy Rotisserie Chicken Alfredo: A Weeknight Dinner Savior
Discover seven game-changing tips to elevate your Rotisserie Chicken Alfredo from simple to sensational. Perfect for a quick, delicious, and impressive meal!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 Rotisserie Chicken, shredded
- 1 pound Fettuccine Pasta
- 1 jar (15 oz) Alfredo Sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped Fresh Parsley
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook fettuccine according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, shred the rotisserie chicken.
- In a large pan, heat Alfredo sauce and minced garlic over medium heat.
- Add shredded chicken to the sauce and stir until heated through.
- Stir in cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, try adding sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms to the Alfredo sauce. Adjust the amount of Parmesan cheese to your liking.