Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe: 4 Reasons It’s the Internet’s New Favorite

A one-pan creamy tomato pasta that’s perfect for meal prep — no fuss, just comfort

You know that feeling when you open the fridge and see a container of leftover rotisserie chicken staring back at you? It’s like it’s saying, “You still haven’t figured me out, huh?” Been there.

That’s exactly where this leftover rotisserie chicken penne pasta recipe was born — from a little fridge guilt and a big craving for something creamy and comforting. It’s kind of like a simplified “marry me pasta” (yes, we’ll get to that in the FAQs), but without the stress or the extra dishes.

Best part? It all comes together in one pan, and it reheats like a dream — which makes it a total win for meal prep days or weeknights when you just can’t deal.

Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe: Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One pan = less cleanup
Creamy, savory, just a little tangy
Penne pasta (or rotini or rigatoni!) soaks up all that sauce
Leftover chicken never felt so fancy
Perfect for make-ahead lunches or dinner on autopilot

Ingredients for Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Shredded leftover rotisserie chicken
Uncooked penne pasta (or rotini or rigatoni)
Olive oil
Garlic, minced
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Italian seasoning
Chicken broth
Heavy cream
Grated Parmesan cheese
Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional but so good)
Salt and pepper

Meal Prep & One-Pan Tips

This dish reheats beautifully. Store in airtight containers and add a splash of broth or water before reheating to loosen the sauce.
It freezes well too — just don’t add fresh herbs until serving.
You can absolutely swap in rotini or rigatoni if that’s what you have. These shapes hold the sauce like a dream.
For another delicious way to use rotisserie chicken, consider making a Rotisserie Chicken Pasta with Garlic Herbs & Olive Oil. This recipe combines tender chicken with flavorful herbs and a light olive oil sauce, creating a quick and satisfying meal.

Craving something spicier? Try this Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta — also a rotisserie chicken wonder.

For a cheesy oven-baked option, check out this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole. Great for big-batch cooking.

FAQs About Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe

What can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for?

So many things! Pasta dishes, casseroles, soups, salads, quesadillas — it’s one of the most versatile leftovers. This creamy penne pasta is one of the easiest, most delicious ways to use it.

Why is it called “marry me pasta”?

It’s a cheeky name for a creamy, tomato-based pasta dish so good, people joke it’s proposal-worthy. This recipe is inspired by those flavors but made simpler for real life.

What to make for dinner with leftover roast chicken?

Start with what you love — pasta, rice, soup, wraps. This one-pan pasta is a great choice when you want something comforting and easy.

How long is leftover rotisserie chicken good in the fridge?

According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, here’s the official guidance:
Leftover cooked chicken is safe in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, as long as it has been:
Cooked to a safe internal temperature (165°F for poultry),
Cooled and stored within 2 hours (or 1 hour if it’s hot outside),
Properly wrapped or sealed in an airtight container,
Kept at 40°F or colder.
You can also freeze it for 3 to 4 months, but flavor and moisture might decline after that.

Can I eat 2-week-old rotisserie chicken?

That’s a no. If it’s been more than 4 days, toss it. Even if it looks okay, the risk just isn’t worth it.

Are rotisserie chickens healthy?

They can be! Many store-bought rotisserie chickens are seasoned simply and are a great lean protein source. Just watch for added sodium or flavorings if you’re keeping an eye on that.

Let Me Know If You Try It

If this leftover rotisserie chicken penne pasta recipe makes it onto your table, I’d love to hear how it goes. Did you meal prep it for the week? Add mushrooms or spinach? Eat it straight from the pan, standing at the stove (been there)?

Drop a comment or share it with someone who could use a no-stress dinner idea. ❤️