Marry Me Chicken Soup
Creamy Tomato Shells with Rotisserie Chicken: A Weeknight Dinner Win!
Looking for a comforting and flavorful dinner that comes together quickly? Look no further than our Creamy Tomato Shells with Rotisserie Chicken! This recipe takes all the cozy vibes of Italian-American comfort food and simplifies it for busy weeknights. We’re talking tender pasta shells coated in a luscious, creamy tomato sauce, packed with savory rotisserie chicken, and brightened with fresh basil and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a guaranteed family pleaser!
What makes this recipe so special? It’s all about layering flavors. The sun-dried tomatoes and their oil add a depth of umami, while the fresh basil provides a lovely herbaceous note. Using rotisserie chicken is a major time-saver, but feel free to use leftover cooked chicken if you have it. The best part? It all comes together in about 35 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: A delicious combination of creamy tomato, savory chicken, and bright herbs.
- Family-Friendly: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Uses Rotisserie Chicken: Saves time and effort!
Tips for Success:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente, as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
- Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This will ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Adjust the Spice: Feel free to add more or less crushed red pepper to suit your taste.
- Fresh Basil is Key: While dried basil can be substituted, fresh basil really elevates the flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: While medium shell pasta is ideal for capturing the sauce, you can substitute other medium-sized pasta shapes like penne or rotini.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: While best served immediately, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add the pasta and chicken just before serving.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: No, this recipe is not gluten-free as it uses traditional pasta. You can substitute gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the sauce.
Q: What can I serve with this dish?
A: A simple side salad and some garlic bread would be perfect accompaniments.
We hope you enjoy this Creamy Tomato Shells with Rotisserie Chicken recipe as much as we do! It’s a comforting, flavorful, and easy meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Creamy Tomato Shells with Rotisserie Chicken
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Parmesan cheese, finely shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed at room temperature
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 3 cups baby spinach packed, roughly chopped
- 8 oz medium shell pasta uncooked
- 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper
- 1.5 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 4 tsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1.5 oz sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 medium onion
Instructions
- Heat the reserved sun-dried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook, stirring often, until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste, cooking until the paste deepens in color (about 2 minutes).
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add uncooked pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente (about 10 minutes).
- Stir in spinach, rotisserie chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Cook until the cheeses melt and spinach wilts (about 5 minutes).
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan, basil, and crushed red pepper if desired.
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