This BBQ chicken pasta is simple, quick, and bursting with delicious smoky barbecue flavor, perfectly tender pasta, and creamy, melted cheese. It’s the ultimate one-skillet solution for a satisfying meal.

Easy One-Skillet BBQ Chicken Pasta: Your New Weeknight Favorite

There are some flavors that just resonate deep within the soul, and for my husband, that flavor is unequivocally barbecue. His devotion to barbecue sauce is legendary in our household. Ask him about his favorite pizza, and he’ll instantly declare barbecue chicken. His go-to salad? Barbecue chicken with crisp romaine, hearty black beans, and sweet corn. Even his dream burger involves a generous slathering of barbecue ranch, topped with crispy bacon. And for sandwiches? Barbecue beef, without a doubt.

Okay, maybe not barbecue-flavored ice cream, unless some mad genius invents it! But you get the picture – the man truly loves his BBQ. This lifelong passion sparked an idea: why not translate that irresistible smoky sweetness into a comforting, easy-to-make pasta dish? And thus, the almighty BBQ Chicken Pasta was born, destined to become a beloved staple in our family’s dinner rotation.

Why This BBQ Chicken Pasta Will Become Your Go-To Recipe

After the overwhelming success of our homemade barbecue sauce – which, let’s be honest, is a game-changer on its own – it was only natural to combine that beloved flavor with pasta. This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a culinary hug, a burst of flavor, and an incredibly convenient one-skillet meal. Yes, I’ll mention it again because it’s a huge selling point: *one skillet!* That means less cleanup and more time enjoying your delicious creation with your loved ones.

This dish was an instant hit with my entire family. It’s remarkably simple to prepare, incredibly quick to get on the table, and packed with an exquisite balance of smoky barbecue flavors, perfectly tender pasta, and rich, creamy melted cheese. I have a sneaking suspicion that if you ask my husband what his favorite pasta dish is now, he’ll enthusiastically point you towards this amazing BBQ Chicken Pasta.

The Perfect Weeknight Solution

Life gets busy, and finding time to cook a wholesome, flavorful meal can be a challenge. That’s where this BBQ Chicken Pasta truly shines. Designed with ease and efficiency in mind, this recipe streamlines the cooking process without sacrificing an ounce of taste. From chopping the chicken to melting the cheese, every step is straightforward, making it ideal for those hectic weeknights when you crave something homemade but lack the luxury of time.

A Symphony of Flavors and Textures

What makes this dish so captivating? It’s the delightful interplay of textures and tastes. The succulent chicken pieces are infused with a rich, smoky barbecue glaze, providing a savory depth that perfectly complements the al dente pasta. The creamy sauce, enriched with sour cream and a generous amount of two types of cheese, creates a luxurious mouthfeel that coats every bite. Each forkful delivers a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, smoky, and creamy notes that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

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BBQ Chicken Pasta Recipe

Yield:
6 Servings

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
30 mins

Total Time:
45 mins

Average Rating: 4.75 stars (based on 8 ratings)

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Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil: For sautéing and adding a rich base flavor.
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-size chunks for even cooking and easy eating.
• 1 medium red onion: Diced finely to blend into the sauce, adding a touch of sweetness and depth.
• 2 cups water: Essential for cooking the pasta right in the skillet.
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth: Adds more flavor to the pasta as it cooks, resulting in a richer dish.
• ½ teaspoon salt: To season the pasta and bring out the flavors.
• 12 ounces penne pasta: Or your favorite short pasta shape, such as rotini or ziti.
• ⅔ cup barbecue sauce: (See note below for homemade version) The star of the show, providing that signature smoky, tangy flavor.
• ⅓ cup sour cream: For a luscious, creamy texture and a hint of tanginess.
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For classic melt and stretch.
• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, savory kick to the cheesy sauce.

Instructions

1. In a large 12-inch nonstick skillet (or a large pot if you don’t have a skillet this big), heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the bite-sized chicken chunks and diced red onions. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is beautifully browned and cooked through, and the onions are softened and translucent. Remove the cooked chicken and onions to a plate and set aside, leaving any delicious browned bits in the skillet.

2. In the same skillet, add the water, chicken broth, uncooked penne pasta, and salt. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the liquid is almost completely absorbed and the pasta is tender to your liking. Keep an eye on it to ensure the pasta cooks evenly.

3. Once the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid has absorbed, stir in the barbecue sauce and sour cream until thoroughly combined and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Next, return the reserved cooked chicken and onions to the skillet. Add the shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses. Stir gently until all ingredients are well-mixed and the cheese has completely melted into a gloriously creamy sauce, and everything is heated through.

4. Serve your piping hot BBQ Chicken Pasta immediately. For an extra touch of freshness and flavor, garnish with additional thinly sliced red or green onions, and a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese if desired. Enjoy!

Notes & Tips

BBQ Sauce: While any good quality store-bought barbecue sauce will work beautifully, for an unparalleled depth of flavor, we highly recommend trying our favorite homemade version here. It truly makes all the difference!

Updated Recipe: This recipe was updated on 7/2012 to refine the liquid ratio for cooking the pasta. If you’ve made this in the past and loved it as originally written, the previous ratio was 5 1/2 cups liquid (3 cups water, 2 1/2 cups chicken broth) to 12 ounces pasta. The current ratio ensures perfectly tender pasta with a rich, concentrated sauce.

Cheese Varieties: Feel free to experiment with other cheese combinations! Smoked gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack could add interesting twists to the flavor profile. Just ensure they are good melting cheeses.

Adding Vegetables: For an extra boost of nutrition and color, consider adding diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) along with the onions, or stir in a handful of frozen corn during the last few minutes of pasta cooking.

Spice It Up: If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the chicken, or choose a spicy barbecue sauce.

Author:
Mel

Course:
Main Course

Cuisine:
American

Method:
Stovetop

Nutrition Information

(Approximate values per serving)

Serving: 1 Serving
Calories: 518 kcal
Carbohydrates: 58g
Protein: 37g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 96mg
Sodium: 1145mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 13g

Recommended Products

Enhance your cooking experience with these essential kitchen tools:

12-Inch Nonstick Skillet

Measuring Cups

8-Inch Chef’s Knife

Recipe Source: Mel’s Kitchen Cafe Original

We hope this Easy One-Skillet BBQ Chicken Pasta becomes a beloved staple in your home, just as it has in ours. Its straightforward preparation, incredible flavor, and minimal cleanup make it an unbeatable choice for any meal. Happy cooking!

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