Quick and Easy BBQ Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

Quick and Easy BBQ Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

When it comes to quick, delicious, and comforting meals, a BBQ cheesy chicken pasta recipe stands out as a family favorite. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or someone looking for a hassle-free dinner option, this recipe combines simple ingredients with bold flavors to create a dish everyone will love. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your family with this foolproof recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This chicken pasta recipe is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require fancy cooking skills or equipment.
• Full of Flavor: The smoky BBQ sauce, creamy cheese, and tender chicken create an irresistible combination.
• Quick Prep and Cook Time: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for those busy nights.
• Customizable: You can adjust the flavors and add extra veggies or toppings to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this mouthwatering BBQ cheesy chicken pasta, gather these simple ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• Pasta: 300g of penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta of your choice.
• Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced.
• BBQ Sauce: ½ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce (smoky or sweet varieties work best).
• Cheese: 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
• Heavy Cream: ½ cup for added creaminess.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
• Onion: 1 small onion, finely chopped.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for cooking the chicken.

Seasonings:

• Salt: To taste.
• Pepper: To taste.
• Paprika: 1 teaspoon for a smoky kick.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic.
2. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

1. Lower the heat and stir in the BBQ sauce and heavy cream.
2. Add the reserved pasta water gradually to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
3. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
2. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until well coated with the sauce.
3. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and stir gently.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Transfer the BBQ cheesy chicken pasta to a serving dish.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Tips for Perfect Chicken Pasta Recipe

• Choose Quality BBQ Sauce: The BBQ sauce is the star of this dish, so pick a high-quality brand that matches your flavor preference.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta holds up better when mixed with the sauce.
• Add Veggies: For added nutrition, toss in sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
• Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe works great with leftover rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free.

Q: Can I store leftovers?
A: Yes, store the leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Combine with freshly cooked pasta just before serving for the best texture.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbs: 40g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 2g

Pairing Suggestions

This BBQ cheesy chicken pasta pairs well with:

• Garlic Bread: A side of warm, crispy garlic bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.
• Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
• Iced Tea or Lemonade: Refreshing drinks to complement the smoky and cheesy flavors.

Final Thoughts

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. With this quick and easy BBQ cheesy chicken pasta recipe, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in no time. Perfect for beginners and loved by everyone, this dish is sure to become a staple in your household. So, grab your ingredients and start cooking — your taste buds will thank you!

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Quick and Easy BBQ Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

Author: luckygpt84@gmail.com

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Print Recipe PRINT RECIPE Pin Recipe

Description

One Skillet BBQ Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a comfort food lover’s dream come true. With tender chunks of seasoned chicken, creamy cheese, smoky barbecue sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish combines all the best flavors into one skillet. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dinner, this easy-to-make recipe has got you covered. With minimal prep and clean-up, it’s the perfect go-to dinner for busy days when you still want something delicious and satisfying.

Ingredients

  

• 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

Instructions

 

• Season the Chicken: Season the chicken cubes with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
• 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: 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).
• 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.
• 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.
• Simmer: Allow the pasta to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, until everything is heated through and the sauce is thickened.
• 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.