Description
This Leftover Chicken Dinner is a quick and comforting pasta dish that makes excellent use of cooked chicken. Featuring rotini pasta tossed in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with mozzarella and fresh parsley, it’s a perfect family-friendly meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken
- 8 oz rotini pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the Roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste and to slightly brown the mixture.
- Add Liquids and Thicken Sauce: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
- Incorporate Chicken and Cheese: Stir in the cooked chicken, grated Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy chicken sauce.
- Season and Garnish: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately for a warm, satisfying dinner.
Notes
- Use rotini or any other short pasta that holds sauce well.
- For a richer sauce, substitute whole milk with half-and-half or cream.
- Leftover cooked chicken can be shredded or diced based on preference.
- Adding vegetables like spinach or peas can enhance nutrition and flavor.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little extra chicken broth or milk to reach desired consistency.
