Gemelli Pasta with Summer Squash and Roasted Chicken
Made with leftover roasted chicken, summer squash, ricotta cheese, and Haitian epis. A few simple ingredients come together in this comforting and flavorful Gemelli pasta with summer squash, roasted chicken, and ricotta tomato sauce. It is creamy without being heavy, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
This homemade pasta dinner takes about 30 minutes to make and is one of the best ways to transform leftover chicken into a completely new meal. Tender pasta, roasted chicken, grated summer squash, ricotta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs create a cozy dish that feels both hearty and fresh.
The ricotta melts gently into the sauce, coating every noodle with a light creamy texture, while the sun-dried tomatoes add a deep savory flavor that balances the sweetness of the squash.
Why This Gemelli Pasta Recipe Works
This recipe is practical cooking at its best.
You use:
- leftover roasted chicken
- pantry pasta
- fresh vegetables
- a few simple seasonings
The grated squash quietly blends into the sauce, making it creamier while adding extra vegetables without overpowering the dish. It is an easy way to stretch ingredients and create a complete meal with minimal effort.
This is also the kind of recipe that adapts easily based on what you already have in the refrigerator.
You can use:
- roasted chicken
- leftover steak
- roasted pork
- turkey
- sausage
And the pasta shape can change too. Gemelli works beautifully because the twists hold the sauce well, but fusilli, bow tie, penne, or elbow pasta also work. Read more about pasta noodles and their shapes here.
What Is Summer Squash?
Summer squash is a tender-skinned vegetable harvested while still immature, making it soft, mild, and quick to cook. Unlike winter squash, the skin is edible, and the flesh contains more moisture, which makes it perfect for sautés, pasta dishes, casseroles, and quick weeknight meals.
Summer squash has a mild flavor that easily absorbs herbs, spices, sauces, and seasonings like Haitian epis.
Common Varieties of Summer Squash
Some of the most popular summer squash varieties include:
- Zucchini – Dark green with a mild flavor and soft texture. One of the most versatile types for pasta dishes.
- Yellow Squash – Bright yellow with a slightly sweeter flavor and tender flesh.
- Pattypan Squash – Small and round with scalloped edges and a delicate buttery taste.
- Zephyr Squash – Two-toned green and yellow squash with a firmer texture and slightly nutty flavor.
For this pasta recipe, zucchini and yellow squash work best because they cook quickly and blend easily into the creamy ricotta sauce.
What Are Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
Sun-dried tomatoes are ripe tomatoes that have been dried to concentrate their flavor. They are slightly chewy, tangy, and deeply savory, making them perfect for pasta dishes, sauces, salads, and grain bowls.
For this recipe, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes work best because they are softer and blend easily into the ricotta sauce.
You can usually find them:
- near the pasta sauces
- in the international foods aisle
- in the deli or antipasto section
- at Italian specialty stores
Once opened, store them in the refrigerator if packed in oil.
Making Pasta Meals with Leftovers
One of the easiest ways to save time and reduce food waste is to build meals around leftovers.
Roasted chicken from the night before becomes:
- pasta dinner
- wraps
- rice bowls
- soups
- salads
And honestly? Leftover roasted meats often taste better the next day because the flavors settle deeper into the seasoning.
Pasta dishes like this are especially useful because vegetables help stretch the meal further without needing extra protein or additional side dishes.
How Haitian Epis Improves Leftover Chicken
Leftover chicken can sometimes taste dry or flat the next day. One of the easiest ways to bring it back to life is to sauté it with Haitian epis before adding it to pasta dishes.
The epis adds:
- garlic flavor
- fresh herb aroma
- depth
- moisture
- seasoning without needing heavy sauces
This technique works especially well with:
- roasted chicken
- rotisserie chicken
- grilled chicken
- baked chicken breast
You only need 1 to 2 teaspoons or more of epis to completely transform the flavor. Depending on the amount of pasta you are cooking and serving, add more epis for more flavor.
The Secret Ingredient: Sun-Dried Tomatoes
One ingredient I rarely skip in this recipe is sun-dried tomatoes.
They add a concentrated savory flavor that gives the sauce more depth without requiring a long cooking time. A small amount goes a long way.
Combined with garlic, oregano, ricotta, and roasted chicken, the flavor becomes rich and balanced without feeling too heavy.
Tips for the Best Pasta Dish
Grate the Squash
Grated squash melts into the sauce more easily and creates a smoother texture.
Do Not Overcook the Pasta
Cook the pasta just until al dente, so it holds up well once tossed with the sauce.
Reserve Pasta Water
A few spoonfuls of pasta water can loosen the sauce if needed and help everything coat evenly. That is a great tip to remember when cooking pasta.
Use Rotisserie Chicken
Short on time? Rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Add more spices to make it taste more delicious.
Variations to Try
This recipe is flexible and forgiving.
Try adding:
- Baby spinach: more tender, cooks fast, and works better than regular spinach
- Mushrooms: portobello or shiitake work well.
- Roasted peppers: Store-bought is best. Buy roasted peppers in jars instead of canned.
- Zucchini: a versatile vegetable that is perfect in stew, grilled, or roasted.
- Fresh basil: thinly sliced will work best instead of whole leaves.
- Crushed red pepper: a boost of flavor
- Parmesan or Pecorino cheese: to seal the flavors
For extra flavor, season with:
- paprika
- garlic powder
- Caribbean green seasoning or Haitian Epis
- fresh thyme
- black pepper
What to Serve with This Pasta
This pasta dish is already a full meal, but it pairs nicely with:
- garlic bread
- simple green salad
- roasted vegetables
- cucumber salad
- sautéed spinach
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this pasta recipe and saves time.
What is Haitian epis?
Haitian epis is a Caribbean seasoning blend made with herbs, garlic, peppers, onions, and spices used to flavor meats, sauces, rice dishes, and stews.
Can I make this pasta ahead?
Yes. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
What pasta works best?
Gemelli, fusilli, penne, and bow tie pasta work very well because they hold the creamy sauce nicely.
This Creamy Haitian Epis Chicken Pasta transforms leftover roasted chicken into a vibrant, gourmet meal using summer squash, ricotta cheese, and authentic Haitian epis. The secret to its deep, savory profile lies in the epis—a robust blend of garlic, herbs, peppers, and scallions. Sautéing the shredded chicken in this seasoning before adding it to the sauce instantly revitalizes the meat, infusing the pasta with a rich, Caribbean-inspired flavor.
Gemelli Pasta with Summer Squash and Roasted Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Large pasta pot
- Colander or strainer
- Large Skillet or Sauté Pan
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Garlic press (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ pounds summer squash grated
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¾ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil drained and chopped
- 1 cooked roasted chicken breast chopped or shredded
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¾ pound Gemelli pasta or other pasta noodles
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Grate the summer squash and set aside.
- In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil.
- Add the grated squash, garlic, oregano, and salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash becomes tender.
- Stir in the ricotta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted chicken, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and cook until warmed through.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Reserve about ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Add the pasta directly to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Add a little reserved pasta water if needed.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese and serve warm.
Notes
- Use zucchini if summer squash is unavailable.
- Rotisserie chicken works well for quick preparation.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.
Nutrition info is automatically generated and provided as a courtesy and as an estimate only.
Corn Allergy:
Always choose ingredients without corn or corn derivatives.
Source
Originally published on July 27, 2020. Revised and updated.
