One Skillet BBQ Chicken Pasta

This one-skillet BBQ chicken and cheese pasta brings together the irresistible combination of smoky barbecue flavors with creamy, cheesy comfort. It’s a dish that warms both the kitchen and the heart, perfect for a quick weeknight supper or when you want to impress guests without much fuss. Combining tender chicken with pasta cooked right in a flavorful sauce makes for easy cleanup and maximum taste.

I remember the first time I made this dish in my Tuscan kitchen, and how its aroma reminded me of summer barbecues from home. Now it’s a family favorite that blends American barbecue with Italian pasta love.

Ingredients

• Cooked chicken: shredded or diced for tender protein that absorbs flavor
• Rotini or penne pasta: holds sauce beautifully
• Chicken broth: gently cook pasta and add savory depth
• Barbecue sauce: tangy, sweet smoky backbone, choose your favorite brand for best results
• Heavy cream: luscious richness and smooth texture
• Shredded cheddar cheese: classic sharpness and gooey meltiness
• Cream cheese: sauce with velvety creaminess
• Olive oil: warm and flavor the chicken
• Garlic powder: savory depth, make sure it’s fresh for best taste
• Salt and pepper: balance and enhance flavors
• Fresh parsley: optional for a bright, fresh garnish and color

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Chicken:

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shredded chicken, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes just to heat through and let the spices bloom into the chicken.

Cook the Pasta in Sauce:

Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and barbecue sauce. Stir in uncooked pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally so pasta cooks evenly and absorbs the sauce. You want the pasta tender but still with a slight bite.

Add the Cheeses:

Remove the lid and stir in shredded cheddar and cream cheese until melted and smooth. This will create a rich, creamy coating that clings to every piece of pasta and chicken.

Serve and Garnish:

Spoon the pasta onto plates and sprinkle with fresh parsley if using. Serve warm for maximum comfort.

Bookmark

One of my favorite memories with this dish is serving it to friends visiting from the States. The BBQ sauce brought back instant nostalgia, making the evening feel like a true celebration. The cheese makes every bite indulgent yet hearty.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. To keep it longer, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers with some headspace. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce luscious and avoid dryness. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave in short bursts.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap chicken for shredded turkey or cooked shrimp for a seafood twist. If dairy is a concern, try substituting cream cheese with a plant-based version and choose a dairy-free cheese. For gluten-free needs, simply use gluten-free pasta that cooks similarly. Vegetables like sautéed spinach or bell peppers work well added near the end of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

A crisp green salad balances the richness beautifully. Garlic bread or cornbread complements the BBQ flavors and helps mop up extra sauce. For drinks, iced tea or a citrusy lemonade pairs perfectly with the smoky and cheesy notes.

Pro Tips

• Don’t skip stirring the pasta occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking
• Use a good quality barbecue sauce for balanced flavor, as too sweet can overpower and too smoky can dominate
• Adding cream cheese last helps it melt smoothly without clumping

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use leftover BBQ chicken in this dish?

Yes, leftover BBQ chicken works perfectly. Just shred or dice it and add during the warming step, reducing overall cooking time since the chicken is already cooked.

→ How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the skillet?

Stir occasionally while simmering and maintain enough liquid like chicken broth and barbecue sauce to cover the pasta, ensuring even cooking without sticking.

→ What are good side dishes to serve with this pasta?

A crisp side salad or garlic bread pairs well, balancing the richness and providing complementary textures and flavors.

→ Can I add vegetables to make it more nutritious?

Absolutely, sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or peas added near the end of cooking add texture and fresh flavors without altering the creamy sauce.

→ Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap regular pasta with a gluten-free variety. The cooking time and method remain the same, keeping the dish just as delicious.

→ How should I reheat leftovers without drying out the pasta?

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the sauce creamy, or microwave in short intervals covered to retain moisture.