This Smoky BBQ Cheddar Chicken Skillet Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of barbecue sauce and cheddar cheese with pasta. It’s a comforting meal perfect for any day of the week. This recipe is quick and easy to make, offering a delicious one-pan solution that keeps cleanup to a minimum.
Why make this recipe
Making Smoky BBQ Cheddar Chicken Skillet Pasta is a fantastic choice for several reasons. First, it is a one-skillet dish, which means less mess and easy cooking. Second, the combination of smoky flavors and creamy cheddar cheese offers a unique taste that pleases everyone at the table. This dish is also adaptable, allowing you to use leftover chicken and any pasta you have on hand, making it a practical recipe as well.
How to make Smoky BBQ Cheddar Chicken Skillet Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic; sauté until softened (3-4 minutes).
- Stir in cooked chicken, barbecue sauce, chicken broth, and heavy cream; bring to a simmer.
- Add uncooked pasta and smoked paprika. Cover and cook until pasta is al dente (12-15 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Once cooked, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve warm.
How to serve Smoky BBQ Cheddar Chicken Skillet Pasta
Serve this dish warm right from the skillet for a cozy meal. You can garnish it with chopped green onions or extra shredded cheese if desired. Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.
How to store Smoky BBQ Cheddar Chicken Skillet Pasta
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if it seems dry.
Tips to make Smoky BBQ Cheddar Chicken Skillet Pasta
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Feel free to customize this dish by adding in your favorite vegetables, like spinach or corn.
- If you like it spicy, add some cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the mix for extra heat.
Variation
You could swap out the cheddar cheese for a different cheese, like mozzarella or pepper jack, for a different flavor. Additionally, you can use whole-grain or gluten-free pasta to make it healthier or accommodate dietary needs.
FAQs
-
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
Yes, you can use raw chicken, but you will need to cook it thoroughly before adding other ingredients. Sauté it first until fully cooked. -
What can I use if I don’t have barbecue sauce?
If you don’t have barbecue sauce, you can use a blend of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce as a substitute. -
Can I freeze Smoky BBQ Cheddar Chicken Skillet Pasta?
Yes, you can freeze it. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. It’s best to eat it within 2-3 months for the best quality.
Smoky BBQ Cheddar Chicken Skillet Pasta
A delightful one-skillet pasta dish combining barbecue sauce and cheddar cheese for a comforting meal.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic; sauté until softened (3-4 minutes).
- Stir in cooked chicken, barbecue sauce, chicken broth, and heavy cream; bring to a simmer.
- Add uncooked pasta and smoked paprika. Cover and cook until pasta is al dente (12-15 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Once cooked, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve warm.
Notes
Garnish with chopped green onions or extra cheese. Pair with a green salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Flexible
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
