Name: One-Pot Leftover Roast Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves of garlic, minced; 1 tin chopped tomatoes (400 grams / 13 oz); 2 cups leftover roast chicken, shredded (300 grams); 3 1/2 cups water or chicken broth (875 ml); 2 cups fusilli pasta (200 grams); 1/4 cup grated parmesan (45 grams); 1 tsp Italian herbs; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/8 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tbsp vegetable oil

There is something truly magical about transforming leftover food into a brand new, mouthwatering meal that feels anything but secondhand. This One-Pot Leftover Roast Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly that kind of kitchen wizardry—combining the rich, savory flavors of roast chicken with a vibrant tomato sauce and tender fusilli pasta all cooked in a single pot. It’s a cozy, comforting dish that’s incredibly simple to whip up, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want dinner on the table fast without compromising on flavor or heartiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up of a black frying pan on a white marbled surface with small, pale pink and white pieces of chopped shallots cooking in it. The shallots are spread evenly in one layer, showing a glossy texture as they soften. A woman's hand is visible at the edge of the pan, near the top left corner, holding or stirring them. The black pan contrasts with the light shallots and the bright white marble background, highlighting the cooking process. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward and familiar, yet each plays an essential role in creating a balanced, flavorful pasta dinner. From the sweetness of sautéed onions and garlic to the zing of Italian herbs, every component adds depth, freshness, or texture that truly brings this dish to life.

1 onion: Adds sweetness and a subtle aromatic base when sautéed.
3 cloves of garlic: Boosts flavor with a warm, fragrant punch.
1 tin chopped tomatoes (400 grams, 13 oz): Forms the rich, tangy sauce that ties everything together.
2 cups leftover roast chicken (shredded, 300 grams): Makes great use of leftovers and adds hearty, satisfying protein.
3 1/2 cups water or chicken broth (875 ml): Provides the cooking liquid, infusing pasta with flavor while softening it perfectly.
2 cups fusilli pasta (200 grams): The curly shape catches sauce, delivering bites packed with flavor.
1/4 cup grated parmesan (45 grams): Brings a nutty, cheesy finish that melts into the sauce.
1 tsp Italian herbs: A fragrant blend that adds an herby, Mediterranean touch.
1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
1/8 tsp black pepper: Adds just enough heat for balance.
2 tbsp fresh parsley: Gives a bright, fresh finish to the dish.
1 tbsp vegetable oil: Used to sauté the aromatics and develop flavor.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make One-Pot Leftover Roast Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic, cooking them gently for 2 to 3 minutes. This process softens the onion and releases the garlic’s fragrant oils, creating a flavorful foundation for your sauce.

Step 2: Build the Tomato Sauce

Pour in the tin of chopped tomatoes, then sprinkle in the Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Let this simmer for 3 to 4 minutes so the liquid reduces slightly, intensifying the sauce’s taste and thickening up just enough to cling beautifully to the pasta later on.

Step 3: Add Chicken, Liquid, and Pasta

Stir in the shredded leftover roast chicken, then pour in the water or chicken broth along with the fusilli pasta. Give everything a gentle stir to combine the ingredients evenly, ensuring each piece of pasta will cook perfectly in the simmering sauce.

Step 4: Cook Until Tender

Put the lid on the pan and let the pasta cook until it has absorbed the liquid and is tender—this typically takes around 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep things from sticking and check the pasta’s texture toward the end to make sure it’s just right—al dente with a tender bite.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Parsley

Once the pasta is cooked, remove the lid and mix in the grated parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce and enrich each forkful. Finally, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness that lightens the dish wonderfully.

Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy

Turn off the heat, scoop generous portions onto plates, and if you’re a parmesan fan, add a little extra on top while it’s still warm. The result is a satisfying, flavorful meal that’s easy to love and even easier to make.

How to Serve One-Pot Leftover Roast Chicken Pasta Recipe

A deep black pot filled with three visible layers of food: at the bottom, a red tomato sauce with small chunks, middle layer with shredded light brown chicken pieces scattered unevenly, and the top layer showing yellow twisted pasta spirals piled loosely. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a few simple garnishes elevates this dish even further. Grated parmesan, fresh parsley, or a drizzle of good quality olive oil brightens the flavors and adds a lovely finishing touch. For a bit of extra zing, try a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a twist of freshly ground black pepper.

Side Dishes

While the One-Pot Leftover Roast Chicken Pasta Recipe is filling on its own, pairing it with simple sides like a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables makes for a more rounded and satisfying meal. A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the pasta beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this pasta in rustic bowls or shallow pasta plates to showcase its comforting, saucy texture. For entertaining, garnish individual servings with edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant touch. You could even stuff the pasta into hollowed-out bell peppers for a fun and colorful presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This pasta keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because it’s cooked all in one pot, flavors meld even more as it rests, making the leftovers taste just as good, if not better, the next day.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Be sure to leave some room at the top of the container to allow for expansion as it freezes.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out. Stir occasionally for even heating and finish with fresh parmesan and parsley if desired.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While fusilli is great for catching sauce with its spirals, penne, rotini, or even farfalle would work beautifully. Just keep the cooking times in mind, as they can vary slightly.

Do I have to use leftover roast chicken?

Leftover roast chicken is perfect here, but you can also use cooked chicken from other meals, rotisserie chicken, or even cooked turkey. It’s all about using what you have on hand to create a delicious dinner.

Can I substitute the water with something else?

Chicken broth is a wonderful alternative that adds more depth of flavor, but vegetable broth or even plain water will work just fine. For an extra boost, homemade broth always shines.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing and meal prep?

Yes, this One-Pot Leftover Roast Chicken Pasta Recipe holds up very well in the freezer, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Just pack it properly, and you’ll have easy dinners ready to go.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is mild by default, with only black pepper and Italian herbs providing gentle warmth. If you like a little heat, add some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking or at the table.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a simple, satisfying way to reinvent your leftover chicken while spending minimal time in the kitchen, you’ve found a winner. This One-Pot Leftover Roast Chicken Pasta Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and effortless. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become your go-to for those busy nights when you want delicious food without the fuss.

One-Pot Leftover Roast Chicken Pasta Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need