One Pot BBQ Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner, this One Pot BBQ Chicken Pasta is your answer. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish requires just one pot and about 40 minutes from start to finish, making cleanup a breeze. The creamy, smoky BBQ sauce clings to tender chicken and pasta, creating a comforting, satisfying meal. The versatility of this recipe means you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes, dietary preferences, or what you have on hand.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Begin by prepping the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry using a paper towel to ensure they sear properly. Then, season the chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden brown on the outside.
3. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside on a plate to rest for a few minutes. After it has rested, shred the chicken using two forks or slice it into bite-sized pieces. Set the shredded or chopped chicken aside for later.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil (or a bit more if needed) and reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
2. Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3: Add the Pasta and Broth

1. Once the vegetables are softened and aromatic, it’s time to add the pasta. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the BBQ sauce. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any bits of chicken or vegetables from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.
2. Stir the ingredients together and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once the liquid is boiling, add the uncooked pasta to the pot. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid, and stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking together. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

1. Once the pasta is cooked and the liquid has reduced, add the heavy cream to the pot. Stir the cream into the sauce, creating a smooth, rich texture. If you want the sauce to be thicker, you can dissolve the cornstarch in a small amount of water and stir it into the sauce at this point. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes to thicken.
2. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or BBQ sauce, depending on your flavor preference.

Step 5: Combine the Chicken and Cheese

1. Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, add the shredded or chopped chicken back into the pot. Stir to combine everything.
2. Add in the shredded cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce, creating a creamy, cheesy texture. If you like, you can also toss in a tablespoon of butter for extra richness and flavor.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Once the chicken, pasta, and sauce are fully combined, remove the pot from the heat. Serve the BBQ chicken pasta hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
2. You can also serve this dish with a side of garlic bread, a green salad, or even some roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Pro Tips and Variations

1. Make Your Own BBQ Sauce

While store-bought BBQ sauce is convenient, making your own homemade BBQ sauce can elevate the flavor of this dish. You can create a tangy, sweet, and smoky BBQ sauce with ingredients like ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and mustard. Customize the sauce to your liking by adjusting the level of sweetness or heat.

2. Use Different Pasta Shapes

Penne pasta works well in this dish, but feel free to use other pasta shapes like rigatoni, rotini, or fusilli. The key is to use a short pasta that will hold up well in the sauce and allow for a good sauce-to-pasta ratio in every bite.

3. Add Vegetables

To add more nutrition and flavor, consider adding vegetables like spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or even cherry tomatoes. You can sauté them along with the onions and peppers or stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking. Frozen corn or peas are also a great option for extra color and texture.

4. Spice It Up

If you like a little heat, you can adjust the BBQ sauce to be spicier by choosing a hot BBQ sauce or adding some extra hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the dish. You could also try adding some jalapeño slices for an extra kick.

5. Make It Lighter

For a lighter version of this dish, you can swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or even milk. If you prefer a non-dairy alternative, you can use coconut milk or a plant-based cream substitute. You can also use leaner cuts of chicken, like chicken thighs, for a richer flavor without the added fat.

6. Store and Reheat Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet with a little chicken broth or water and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You may need to add more liquid if the pasta absorbs too much of the sauce during storage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes! If you’re looking to save time, rotisserie chicken is a great substitute. Simply shred the rotisserie chicken and add it into the pot when combining the chicken and cheese. This will save you the time it takes to cook the chicken from scratch.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While this recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep certain elements ahead of time. Cook the chicken and shred it, then store it in the fridge until you’re ready to make the pasta. You can also measure out the pasta, broth, and BBQ sauce so everything is ready to go when you start cooking.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile when it comes to pasta choices. You can use any short pasta such as farfalle, fusilli, or rotini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.

Conclusion

This One Pot BBQ Chicken Pasta is an easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing dish that brings together smoky BBQ chicken, creamy pasta, and a simple yet flavorful sauce. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish checks all the boxes: quick, comforting, and satisfying. Plus, the one-pot cooking method makes cleanup a breeze, so you can enjoy more time with your loved ones.

Yield: 4

One Pot BBQ Chicken Pasta Recipe

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If you’re in the mood for a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner, this One Pot BBQ Chicken Pasta is your answer. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish requires just one pot and about 40 minutes from start to finish, making cleanup a breeze. The creamy, smoky BBQ sauce clings to tender chicken and pasta, creating a comforting, satisfying meal. The versatility of this recipe means you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes, dietary preferences, or what you have on hand.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 12 oz penne pasta (or any short pasta of choice)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
• Fresh parsley or green onions (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the chicken:
   Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and oregano.
   Add the chicken to the pot and cook for about 6-8 minutes, until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté the onions and garlic:
   In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened.
   Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Add the liquids and pasta:
   Pour in the BBQ sauce and chicken broth, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon.
   Stir in the uncooked pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
4. Finish the dish:
   Once the pasta is cooked, add the cooked chicken back into the pot. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until everything is well combined.
   Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top and stir until the cheese is melted and the pasta is creamy.
5. Garnish and serve:
   Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving.

Notes

BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce, whether it's sweet, smoky, or spicy, to match your flavor preference.

Vegetables: You can add bell peppers, corn, or even spinach for extra flavor and nutrients.

Cheese: If you prefer a cheesier dish, feel free to add extra cheese on top before serving.

For a lighter version: You can use low-fat cream or even substitute with a bit of Greek yogurt for some creaminess without all the fat.