leftover roast chicken pasta

The star of this comforting dish is the leftover roast chicken – it’s the perfect way to transform a leftover roast into a fresh pasta dinner. The delicious combination of tender roasted chicken, creamy cheese sauce and fresh herbs makes a delicious meal that your family will love. Plus, it’s an easy one-pot meal that can be ready in under 30 minutes.

What You'll Need

To make this delicious dish, you’ll need cooked chicken (leftovers work great!), pasta, butter, flour, milk, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and seasonings like garlic powder and onion powder. You can also add other ingredients to customize the dish – we love adding mushrooms or spinach to make it heartier. You can also use any type of pasta you have on hand – penne, rigatoni, or macaroni all work great.

How To Make It

To begin, cook the pasta according to package instructions. When it’s done, drain and set aside. Meanwhile, heat a large saucepan over medium heat and add the butter. Once the butter is melted, add the flour and whisk together to make a roux. Cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is lightly browned. Then, add the milk, a little at a time, whisking constantly until the sauce is smooth.

Next, add the Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is thick and creamy. Then, add the cooked pasta and cooked chicken and stir to combine. Cook for a few minutes until everything is heated through.

Finally, serve the pasta with your favorite sides. Enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

For a heartier dish, add some cooked vegetables like mushrooms or spinach to the mixture. To give the dish more flavor, try adding some diced onion or garlic to the roux. If you don’t have any leftover roast chicken on hand, you can use cooked rotisserie chicken or even canned chicken. And for a creamier sauce, try using half-and-half instead of milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta is best for this dish?

Any type of pasta works for this dish - penne, rigatoni, or macaroni all work great. You can also use other types of pasta like fettuccine or linguine.

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use canned chicken for this recipe. Just make sure to drain the chicken before adding it to the mixture.

Do I need to cook the vegetables before adding them to the dish?

Yes, you should cook the vegetables before adding them to the dish. This will ensure that they are cooked through and that the flavors blend nicely.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just heat it up in the microwave or on the stovetop.