Easy Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
If you’re looking for a hearty, family-friendly meal that comes together quickly yet tastes like it took hours to make, this Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Bake is the answer. It’s rich, creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken—all baked to golden perfection. Best of all, it’s a fantastic way to turn a store-bought rotisserie chicken into a completely new, comforting dinner.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping for the week, or just craving a cozy pasta dish, this recipe delivers every time. Think of it as part casserole, part pasta bake, and entirely delicious.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Bake
This dish has quickly become one of my go-to dinners, and for good reason. Here’s why I think you’ll love it too:
- Quick and easy – Using a rotisserie chicken saves time without sacrificing flavor.
- Family-friendly – Kids and adults alike love the cheesy, creamy pasta.
- Customizable – You can add vegetables, swap cheeses, or spice it up to fit your taste.
- Great for leftovers – It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.
When you combine tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, creamy sauce, and gooey melted cheese, you get the kind of dinner that disappears fast.
Ingredients (Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe)
Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting pasta casserole. I’ve included exact measurements so you can follow along easily.
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (16 oz) pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best)
- 1 rotisserie chicken (about 3 cups shredded chicken, skin and bones removed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (whole milk or 2% recommended)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (for extra creaminess)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Add-ins (customize to your taste):
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets, lightly steamed
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Topping:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Bake is straightforward, even if you’re new to cooking. Just follow these steps and you’ll have a golden, bubbly casserole in no time.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until just al dente (about 1 minute less than package directions). Remember, the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so don’t overdo it. Drain and set aside.
Tip: Toss the drained pasta with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly to create a roux. Cook for about 1–2 minutes until the raw flour smell disappears. Slowly whisk in the milk, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 5–7 minutes.
Season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 3: Add Cheese and Chicken
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in 1 ½ cups mozzarella, ½ cup cheddar, and ¼ cup Parmesan until melted and creamy. Add the shredded rotisserie chicken and mix until fully coated in the sauce.
Optional: If you’re adding spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli, stir them in at this stage.
Step 4: Combine with Pasta
Pour the sauce and chicken mixture over the cooked pasta. Stir well to combine so every piece of pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Assemble the Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese.
For extra crunch, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan, then sprinkle evenly over the top.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so it sets slightly and is easier to scoop.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
Making a Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Bake is simple, but these tips can take your dish to the next level:
- Don’t overcook the pasta – It will continue cooking in the oven, so keep it slightly firm after boiling.
- Shred chicken finely – Bite-sized pieces distribute better throughout the bake.
- Layer cheese for best results – Mixing some cheese into the sauce while reserving the rest for the topping ensures gooey layers throughout.
- Boost flavor with broth – Using chicken broth in the sauce deepens the savory taste.
- Make it ahead – Assemble the pasta bake in the morning, refrigerate, then bake when ready for dinner. Just add 10 extra minutes to the baking time.
Delicious Variations
The beauty of this Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Bake is how versatile it is. You can tweak it to suit your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
- Veggie Lover’s Bake – Add roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients.
- Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake – Stir in ½ cup buffalo sauce and top with blue cheese crumbles for a spicy twist.
- Mexican-Inspired Bake – Mix in black beans, corn, and taco seasoning. Swap cheddar for pepper jack.
- Four-Cheese Bake – Use mozzarella, provolone, fontina, and Parmesan for an ultra-cheesy version.
- Low-Carb Swap – Replace pasta with cooked cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.
Ingredient Substitutions
One of the best things about making a Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Bake is how flexible the recipe is. You don’t have to run to the store if you’re missing something, because there are plenty of easy swaps that still deliver delicious results. Think of this recipe as a template you can adjust to fit what’s in your fridge or pantry. Here are some simple substitutions to keep in mind:
Rotisserie Chicken
If you don’t have a store-bought rotisserie chicken, don’t worry. You can use leftover baked chicken, grilled chicken breasts, or even poached chicken. Shredded turkey also works beautifully, making this bake a great way to use up holiday leftovers. In a pinch, even canned chicken can be used, though freshly cooked chicken will give you the best flavor.
Pasta
This recipe works with almost any type of pasta. Penne, rotini, rigatoni, and medium shells all hold up well to the creamy sauce and melted cheese. If you want to make it a little heartier, try using whole-wheat pasta for added fiber. For a gluten-free version, simply swap in a certified gluten-free pasta—just be careful not to overcook it, since some gluten-free varieties are softer.
Milk and Cream
The creamy sauce is traditionally made with milk and a splash of heavy cream, but there are plenty of alternatives. Half-and-half can replace both the milk and cream if you want something simpler. For a lighter option, you can use all milk or even evaporated milk, which still gives a nice richness. If you’re avoiding dairy, unsweetened almond milk or oat milk can work—just add a little extra cheese to keep the sauce creamy.
Cheese
This is where you can really have fun. Mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan create the perfect balance of melty and sharp, but you can easily substitute with other cheeses. Gouda, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, fontina, or even a bit of cream cheese can change the flavor profile while keeping the bake gooey and satisfying. A smoky cheese like smoked provolone adds a whole new layer of depth.
Breadcrumb Topping
If you love a crunchy topping but don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, no problem. Crushed Ritz crackers, saltine crackers, or even crushed potato chips make fantastic alternatives. Panko breadcrumbs give a lighter, crispier texture, while regular breadcrumbs are more traditional. And if you prefer a creamier top, you can skip the crumbs altogether and simply add more cheese.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This recipe makes a generous portion, and the leftovers are just as delicious.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Reheating: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until hot. Add a sprinkle of extra cheese before reheating for maximum flavor.
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6–8
Conclusion (Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe)
There are certain recipes that just make life easier without compromising on flavor, and this Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Bake is one of them. We all have those evenings when time is short, everyone is hungry, and you need a dinner that feels comforting yet effortless. That’s where this dish truly shines. By starting with a ready-made rotisserie chicken, you eliminate the most time-consuming step—cooking the protein—while still enjoying the flavor of tender, juicy chicken that tastes like it’s been slow-roasted all day.
But convenience isn’t the only reason this pasta bake deserves a spot in your weekly meal plan. It’s also a crowd-pleaser, thanks to its creamy sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and layers of melted cheese. The combination creates the kind of cozy, satisfying bite that reminds you of classic comfort food dinners, yet it’s elevated enough to serve when company comes over.
Another reason I keep coming back to this Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Bake is its versatility. You can make it exactly as written for a classic, cheesy pasta casserole, or you can treat it as a blank canvas and add your favorite extras. Toss in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies, swap in a different cheese for a new flavor profile, or spice things up with a little hot sauce. No matter how you customize it, the foundation of creamy sauce, chicken, and pasta guarantees a delicious result every single time.
This dish also makes your kitchen smell amazing while it bakes—there’s nothing like the aroma of garlic, cheese, and baked pasta filling the house. And when it comes out of the oven bubbling and golden, you’ll have a one-pan meal that’s hearty enough to satisfy a family, yet simple enough to whip together on a weeknight.
In short, the Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Bake isn’t just a recipe—it’s a strategy for getting a wholesome, comforting dinner on the table quickly. It’s a solution for busy weeknights, a guaranteed hit at potlucks, and the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again. If you’re looking for a recipe that balances convenience, flavor, and flexibility, this pasta bake more than earns its place in your regular rotation.
