Name: Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Pasta No Cream
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or whatever’s in the pantry); 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 3 tbsp olive oil (or dairy-free butter); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped; 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or oat milk); 1 tbsp flour (or gluten-free flour); 2 tbsp nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor without dairy); 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, adds depth); Salt and pepper, to taste; Juice of ½ lemon; Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish; Optional add-ins: sautéed mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Pasta No Cream might sound like a mouthful, but trust me—it’s the kind of cozy, throw-it-together dinner you’ll want on repeat. You know those nights when everyone’s hungry and there’s not much energy left? That rotisserie chicken in the fridge? This is where it shines.

With no cream and no fuss, this pasta comes together in under 30 minutes, using what you probably already have in your kitchen. It’s creamy, bright, and the ultimate “didn’t-expect-this-to-be-so-good” kind of meal.

Why You’ll Love This Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Pasta No Cream

It’s dairy-free and still creamy (yep, pasta water magic).
Kid-friendly, budget-friendly, and uses up leftovers.
Comes together fast — perfect for busy weeknights.
Light and lemony, with a little garlic kick if you want it.

Ingredients for Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Pasta No Cream

Nothing fancy — just pantry staples and that leftover rotisserie chicken you’ve been side-eyeing.

Pasta (penne, rotini, spaghetti — whatever’s on hand)
Shredded rotisserie chicken
Olive oil
Garlic, minced
Onion or shallot, finely chopped (optional)
Red pepper flakes (optional, but fun)
Lemon (you’ll use both zest and juice)
Dijon mustard (adds creamy tang!)
A splash of reserved pasta water
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley or basil to finish (if you have it)

Cooking Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t forget the pasta water. It’s the trick to that “creamy without cream” texture.
Go easy on the heat. Since the chicken’s already cooked, you just want to warm it, not cook it again.
No Dijon? A spoonful of tahini or even a splash of white wine vinegar can add similar tang.
Make it your own. Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or swap the herbs. This recipe is super flexible.

Can I Make This Creamy Pasta Dairy-Free?

Yes — and this one already is! Instead of cream or cheese, we use olive oil, garlic, and pasta water to get that silky texture. The Dijon mustard adds a creamy tang that tricks your brain in the best way. If you want it even richer, try stirring in a little oat milk or a spoonful of unsweetened cashew yogurt at the end.

This dairy-free alfredo sauce is another great option if you’re looking for alternatives!

More Easy Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Recipes

If you love meals that start with a store-bought rotisserie chicken (because, yes please), you might also like:

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo
Easy Chicken Enchilada Skillet
Mayo Chicken Salad with Grapes

Let Me Know If You Try This Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Pasta No Cream

If you end up making this leftover rotisserie chicken pasta with no cream, I’d love to hear how it went. Did you throw in spinach? Use gluten-free pasta? Clean out your fridge into it? Leave a comment below — or tag me if you share it. Real food made by real people is always worth celebrating.