Creamy BBQ Chicken Pasta
Description
This Creamy BBQ Chicken Pasta is a hearty, comforting dish that brings together smoky BBQ flavors, tender chicken, rich cream sauce, and pasta for a satisfying one-pan meal. It’s perfect for weeknights and family dinners, and it can be made in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken:
2 chicken breasts (or thighs), boneless and skinless
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
For the Pasta & Sauce:
300g (about 10 oz) penne or rotini pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup BBQ sauce
½ cup grated cheddar cheese
½ cup grated mozzarella
Salt & pepper, to taste
1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
Garnish:
Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
Extra shredded cheese or BBQ drizzle
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Season chicken with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for about 4–5 minutes per side, until fully cooked and golden.
Remove from heat, let rest 5 minutes, then slice or shred.
Toss the chicken with ½ cup BBQ sauce and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter. Sauté garlic and onion until soft (about 3 minutes).
Stir in cream and chicken broth. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes.
Add in ½ cup BBQ sauce, cheddar, and mozzarella. Stir until melted and smooth.
Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using.
4. Combine & Serve:
Add the cooked pasta and BBQ chicken into the sauce. Toss to coat.
Simmer together for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
Serve hot, garnished with parsley and a sprinkle of extra cheese or BBQ drizzle.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient Amount
Calories ~620 kcal
Protein ~34g
Carbohydrates ~48g
Sugars ~10g
Fat ~32g
Saturated Fat ~14g
Fiber ~3g
Sodium ~720mg
(Note: Based on average ingredients. May vary with different brands or adjustments.)
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Shred and toss it with BBQ sauce before adding to the pasta.
Q2: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth.
Q3: Is this recipe spicy?
Not by default, but chili flakes add a kick. You can leave them out or add more based on taste.
Q4: Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream and vegan cheese alternatives. The result will still be creamy.
Q5: What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Smoky or slightly sweet BBQ sauces pair best. Avoid vinegar-heavy types
unless you enjoy tangier flavors.