Costco Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Hack: A Deliciously Easy Weeknight Meal

Tired of spending hours in the kitchen after a long day? Craving a comforting and delicious pasta dish but short on time and energy? Look no further! This Costco rotisserie chicken pasta hack is your answer to a quick, easy, and satisfying weeknight meal. Leveraging the convenience of a pre-cooked Costco rotisserie chicken, this recipe cuts down on prep time significantly, allowing you to have a restaurant-quality pasta dish on the table in under 30 minutes. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a lifesaver for busy families, solo diners, and anyone who appreciates a delicious shortcut.

## Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is a winner for several reasons:

* **Speed and Convenience:** The star of the show, the Costco rotisserie chicken, eliminates the need to cook chicken from scratch. This single ingredient saves you at least 30-45 minutes of cooking time.
* **Affordability:** Costco rotisserie chickens are incredibly budget-friendly, making this a cost-effective meal option.
* **Versatility:** This recipe is easily customizable. You can swap out the vegetables, cheese, or sauce to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
* **Deliciousness:** The combination of tender rotisserie chicken, flavorful sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and fresh vegetables creates a truly satisfying and delicious meal.
* **Minimal Cleanup:** With fewer ingredients and steps compared to traditional pasta recipes, cleanup is a breeze.

## Ingredients

* 1 Costco Rotisserie Chicken (approximately 3 pounds), skin removed and shredded or diced
* 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, fusilli, or your favorite shape)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (15 ounce) jar of your favorite pasta sauce (marinara, arrabiata, or pesto work well)
* 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional, for a saucier pasta)
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional additions: spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, red pepper flakes

## Equipment

* Large pot for cooking pasta
* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* Colander
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Mixing spoon or spatula

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this incredibly easy and delicious Costco rotisserie chicken pasta:

**Step 1: Cook the Pasta**

* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt is crucial for flavoring the pasta. Use approximately 1-2 tablespoons of salt for a standard pot of water.
* Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, indicating that the pasta should be firm but not hard in the center. Usually, this is about 8-10 minutes.
* Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. The starchy pasta water can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
* Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

**Step 2: Prepare the Sauce**

* While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
* Add the chopped red bell pepper and cook for 3-5 minutes, until slightly softened.
* Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (undrained) and your favorite pasta sauce. Stir to combine.
* If you prefer a saucier pasta, add 1/2 cup of chicken broth. You can also use the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
* Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together.
* Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

**Step 3: Combine and Finish**

* Add the shredded or diced Costco rotisserie chicken to the sauce. Stir to combine and heat through, about 2-3 minutes.
* Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and chicken mixture. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
* Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley.
* If the pasta seems dry, add a little more pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

**Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley.
* This pasta is delicious on its own or served with a side salad or garlic bread.

## Variations and Customizations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own signature Costco rotisserie chicken pasta.

* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives to the sauce.
* **Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, or ricotta.
* **Sauce:** Use different pasta sauces, such as pesto, Alfredo, or vodka sauce.
* **Spice:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
* **Protein:** While the rotisserie chicken is the star, you can add other proteins like sausage or shrimp.
* **Creamy Pasta:** Stir in a dollop of cream cheese, mascarpone, or heavy cream for a creamier texture.
* **Lemon Chicken Pasta:** Add lemon zest and lemon juice for a brighter, zesty flavor.
* **Pesto Chicken Pasta:** Use pesto as your sauce base and add some toasted pine nuts.
* **Spicy Arrabbiata Chicken Pasta:** Use arrabbiata sauce, which contains chili peppers, and add extra red pepper flakes.
* **Mediterranean Chicken Pasta:** Add Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes.

## Tips and Tricks

* **Shredding the Chicken:** To easily shred the rotisserie chicken, use two forks to pull the meat apart. Alternatively, you can dice the chicken into smaller pieces.
* **Removing the Skin:** Removing the skin helps to reduce the fat content of the dish and allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce better. However, if you enjoy the crispy skin, feel free to leave it on.
* **Pasta Water is Key:** Don’t underestimate the power of pasta water! It’s a valuable tool for adjusting the consistency of the sauce and helping it cling to the pasta.
* **Don’t Overcook the Pasta:** Overcooked pasta will be mushy and unappetizing. Cook the pasta al dente for the best texture.
* **Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the sauce throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember that the chicken and cheese will also contribute to the overall saltiness of the dish.
* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply cook the pasta and combine it with the sauce.
* **Leftovers:** Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

## Serving Suggestions

This Costco rotisserie chicken pasta is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

* **Side Salad:** Serve with a simple green salad or a Caesar salad.
* **Garlic Bread:** Warm garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to soak up the delicious sauce.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts, make a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Wine Pairing:** A light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Beaujolais, pairs well with this pasta dish.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with a loaf of crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 600-800 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 40-50 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 60-80 grams

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.*

## Conclusion

This Costco rotisserie chicken pasta hack is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s quick, easy, affordable, and incredibly delicious. With its versatility and customizable nature, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, grab a Costco rotisserie chicken and get ready to enjoy a satisfying and stress-free meal! This recipe proves that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create a restaurant-quality dish. Enjoy!