One Skillet BBQ Chicken Pasta

This one-skillet BBQ chicken and cheese pasta brings together smoky barbecue flavors and creamy cheeses in a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on the plate. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.

I first made this dish during a cozy weekend in the Tuscan hills and it instantly became a comfort food favorite in my home. Now I find myself turning to it whenever I want that perfect balance of smoky and creamy without fuss.

Ingredients

• One pound cooked chicken: shredded or diced to soak up all the sauce
• Twelve ounces rotini or penne pasta: that holds the creamy sauce well
• Two cups chicken broth: to cook the pasta and build flavor
• One cup barbecue sauce: for smokiness and tang pick a brand you love or homemade if you can
• One cup heavy cream: adds luscious richness that makes the sauce silky
• One cup shredded cheddar cheese: for sharpness and meltiness
• Half a cup cream cheese: for extra creaminess and smooth texture
• One tablespoon olive oil: to sauté chicken gently
• One teaspoon garlic powder: to boost savory depth
• Salt and pepper: to taste seasoning is key here so taste as you go
• Fresh parsley: optional for a bright pop of color and freshness on top

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Chicken:

Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the shredded chicken along with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for two to three minutes just until the chicken is warmed through and fragrant, letting the garlic powder bloom to create a flavorful base.

Add Liquids and Pasta:

Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and barbecue sauce. Stir to combine everything well. Add the uncooked pasta directly into the skillet. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer gently for about ten to twelve minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to make sure the pasta cooks evenly until tender.

Melt in the Cheeses:

Once the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the shredded cheddar and cream cheese. Keep stirring until the cheeses melt completely and create a creamy, luscious sauce that coats every piece of pasta beautifully.

Serve and Garnish:

Spoon the pasta into bowls and top with fresh parsley if using. Serve immediately while warm and gooey.

Save Pin

Cheddar cheese is my favorite part because it adds a sharp richness that perfectly balances the barbecue sauce. I remember serving this dish to friends on a chilly night and the way it brought smiles and second helpings made it clear this recipe was a keeper for years to come.

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to maintain freshness. If you want to preserve it longer, it freezes wonderfully. Just be sure to leave room in your container for the pasta to expand.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the chicken for cooked shrimp or even roasted vegetables for different takes. Try using spicy barbecue sauce to add heat or substitute whole milk for heavy cream if you want a lighter sauce. Different pasta shapes like fusilli or shells also work well and may hold the sauce differently.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy, rich pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or cornbread are fantastic for sopping up any leftover sauce. Cold iced tea or sparkling water with lemon pairs perfectly for a refreshing drink.

Cultural Notes

While barbecue chicken pasta might not hail from a traditional Italian kitchen, its blend of barbecue flavors and rich cheeses brings a comforting fusion that reflects a melding of American heartiness with Italian love for pasta. It’s a great example of how fusion food brings the best of both worlds together in a simple weeknight dish.

Pro Tips

• Toast your garlic powder in the olive oil briefly with the chicken for an extra depth of flavor.
• Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to keep the sauce from drying out.
• If your barbecue sauce is very sweet, balance it with a tiny squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of mustard to keep the flavors bright.

Commonly Asked Questions

→ Can leftover BBQ chicken be used?

Yes, leftover BBQ chicken works great. Simply shred or dice it and heat gently with the sauce to keep flavors fresh.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace chicken with hearty vegetables or plant-based proteins like chickpeas or tofu, and swap the broth to vegetable stock for similar richness.

→ Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely, prepare in advance and refrigerate. Reheat on stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to retain the creamy texture.

→ Can I use gluten-free pasta here?

Yes, gluten-free pasta varieties work well without affecting the overall taste or texture.

→ What vegetables complement this dish?

Sautéed bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, or peas add freshness and texture when stirred in near the end of cooking.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage while leaving room for expansion.