One Skillet BBQ Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Introduction

One Skillet BBQ Cheesy Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that brings together all the flavors you crave in one easy-to-make dish. Tender chunks of seasoned chicken, creamy cheese, smoky barbecue sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a single skillet to create a mouthwatering meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Whether you’re craving something cozy on a busy weeknight or need a dish that will impress a crowd, this pasta checks all the boxes.

The first time I made this One Skillet BBQ Cheesy Chicken Pasta, I was amazed by how simple it was to pull together such a flavorful dish. With just one skillet and a few ingredients, I was able to create a meal that felt indulgent yet easy to prepare. As the cheese melted and the barbecue sauce simmered into the chicken, the kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of smoky sweetness, and I couldn’t wait to dig in.

What I love most about this dish is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it by adding vegetables like bell peppers or corn, or even tossing in some crispy bacon for extra flavor. The combination of smoky, tangy barbecue sauce with creamy cheese makes every bite feel like a comforting hug. Plus, the minimal prep and clean-up make it the perfect choice for busy days when you want a meal that’s both quick and indulgent. Whether you serve it for dinner or make it for a gathering, One Skillet BBQ Cheesy Chicken Pasta is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Perfect for:

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• Weeknight dinners
• Family meals
• Casual get-togethers
• Barbecue lovers
• Comfort food enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This One Skillet BBQ Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

Here’s why One Skillet BBQ Cheesy Chicken Pasta will become a favorite in your household:

• All-in-One Skillet Meal: This dish is made in one skillet, making both cooking and clean-up a breeze.
• Bold BBQ Flavor: The smoky, tangy barbecue sauce adds a unique depth of flavor to the creamy, cheesy pasta, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
• Cheesy Goodness: The creamy cheese sauce melts into the pasta, creating a comforting, gooey texture that’s irresistible.
• Tender Chicken: The seasoned chicken is cooked to perfection, juicy and flavorful, adding protein and heartiness to the dish.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 500-550 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 40g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make One Skillet BBQ Cheesy Chicken Pasta:

• 1 lb chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or your preferred type)
• 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: Crumbled bacon or green onions for garnish

Ingredient Highlights

• BBQ Sauce: Choose a high-quality barbecue sauce with the right balance of sweetness and tanginess to complement the cheesy pasta.
• Cheddar Cheese: This sharp, flavorful cheese melts beautifully and adds that signature cheesy taste to the dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella provides a stretchy, gooey texture that combines perfectly with cheddar for an irresistibly cheesy finish.
• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly, making them perfect for this recipe.
• Pasta: The pasta acts as a comforting base for the dish and soaks up all the smoky barbecue sauce and creamy cheese.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make One Skillet BBQ Cheesy Chicken Pasta:

Cook the Chicken:

1. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken cubes with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Cook the Pasta:

3. Cook the Pasta: In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente (about 10 minutes).
4. Stir in BBQ Sauce and Cream: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the BBQ sauce and heavy cream, ensuring the pasta is well-coated in the sauce.

Combine and Melt the Cheese:

5. Add the Chicken and Cheese: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Add both the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
6. Simmer: Allow the pasta to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, until everything is heated through and the sauce is thickened.

Serve and Garnish:

7. Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of color and freshness. If desired, sprinkle with crumbled bacon or green onions for an added crunch.

How to Serve One Skillet BBQ Cheesy Chicken Pasta

One Skillet BBQ Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Here’s how to serve it:

• With a Side Salad: Serve with a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast to the creamy, cheesy pasta.
• With Garlic Bread: Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
• For Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prep! Store individual portions in airtight containers and reheat for an easy lunch or dinner throughout the week.
• With Steamed Veggies: Pair with steamed broccoli or green beans to add a healthy side to your meal.
• Topped with Crumbled Bacon: For extra flavor, top the dish with crumbled bacon or crispy fried onions.

Additional Tips for One Skillet BBQ Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Here are some tips to make your One Skillet BBQ Cheesy Chicken Pasta even better:

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep the chicken juicy, be careful not to overcook it. It should be golden brown and cooked through, but not dry.
• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese, so opt for block cheese when possible.
• Adjust the BBQ Sauce: You can adjust the amount of BBQ sauce based on your taste preferences. Add more for a stronger flavor or less for a subtler taste.
• Spicy Kick: If you like some heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for a spicy kick.
• Leftovers: This dish makes great leftovers! Store any extras in an airtight container and enjoy for up to 3 days.

Recipe Variations for One Skillet BBQ Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Here are 10 variations you can try for One Skillet BBQ Cheesy Chicken Pasta:

• Buffalo Chicken BBQ Pasta: Replace the BBQ sauce with buffalo sauce for a spicy, tangy twist.
• Chicken Bacon BBQ Pasta: Add crispy bacon bits for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
• Vegetarian BBQ Pasta: Swap the chicken for roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
• Creamy Cajun BBQ Pasta: Add Cajun seasoning to the chicken for a spicy, flavorful twist.
• BBQ Pulled Pork Pasta: Use pulled pork instead of chicken for a smoky, savory alternative.
• BBQ Chicken Alfredo Pasta: Replace the BBQ sauce with Alfredo sauce for a creamy, cheesy pasta with a BBQ flair.
• Grilled Chicken BBQ Pasta: Grill the chicken before adding it to the skillet for a smoky grilled flavor.
• BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: Use macaroni instead of other pasta shapes for a mac and cheese-inspired BBQ dish.
• Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pasta Bake: After assembling the dish, transfer it to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F until bubbly and golden.
• BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad: Turn this into a pasta salad by letting it cool and serving it cold with a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: This dish can be frozen before adding the cheese for best results. Assemble everything up to the point of adding cheese, then freeze. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and then finish the recipe by adding cheese and simmering.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra chicken broth or cream if needed.

Special Equipment for One Skillet BBQ Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your One Skillet BBQ Cheesy Chicken Pasta easier:

• Large Skillet: A large, heavy-bottomed skillet helps distribute heat evenly, ensuring your chicken and pasta cook perfectly.
• Wooden Spoon: Use a wooden spoon to stir and combine the ingredients without scratching the skillet.
• Grater or Food Processor: A cheese grater or food processor will make quick work of shredding the cheese.
• Tongs: Tongs are perfect for flipping the chicken and stirring the pasta without making a mess.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements of the ingredients will help you achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

FAQ Section for One Skillet BBQ Cheesy Chicken Pasta

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
   Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the microwave for quicker thawing.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   You can prepare the pasta and chicken in advance, but it’s best to add the cheese and BBQ sauce just before serving for the freshest flavor and texture.
3. Can I substitute the heavy cream?
   You can use half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, but the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy as with heavy cream.
4. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   Yes, feel free to use any type of pasta you like, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle, depending on your preference.
5. Is this dish spicy?
   The recipe as written is not spicy, but you can add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to increase the heat if desired.

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Conclusion

One Skillet BBQ Cheesy Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that’s not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor. The smoky tang of BBQ combined with creamy cheese and tender chicken creates a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual dinner with friends and family, this one-skillet meal is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—everything comes together in just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. The BBQ sauce adds a deep, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich, melty cheese, while the pasta provides the perfect texture to soak it all up. It’s a meal that’s both hearty and comforting, with the perfect balance of savory and cheesy goodness.

I can’t wait to see your One Skillet BBQ Cheesy Chicken Pasta creations! Be sure to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you make this dish your own! Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your twist on this tasty, easy recipe. Happy cooking!