If you love BBQ flavors but also crave a comforting pasta dish, this BBQ Chicken Pasta is the perfect recipe for you! It’s hearty, smoky, and cheesy, with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a flavorful sauce that brings everything together. Plus, it’s a one-pot dish, which means less cleanup! It’s also versatile—make extra and turn it into a delicious pasta salad for the next day. Let’s dive into this tasty recipe!
Method
Sauté the Veggies
Begin by preparing the flavorful base of your BBQ Chicken Pasta. Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat and add a splash of oil or a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking. Once the pan is hot, add the diced red onion and diced pepper. Sauté them for a few minutes until they become softened and slightly caramelized, which enhances their natural sweetness. After the onions and peppers have softened, add the crushed garlic cloves to the pan. Cook the garlic for about 30 seconds, stirring continuously to ensure it doesn’t burn, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to the dish.
Cook the Chicken and Bacon
Next, incorporate the protein elements into your dish. Add the diced chicken breast and chopped bacon medallions to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the chicken pieces develop a nice golden color on all sides and the bacon becomes crispy. This step not only ensures that the chicken is fully cooked and tender but also infuses the pasta with the smoky, savory flavors of the bacon, creating a rich and hearty foundation for the meal.
Build the Sauce
With the chicken and bacon cooked to perfection, it’s time to create a flavorful sauce that ties everything together. Stir in the tomato puree, smoked paprika, garlic granules, onion granules, BBQ seasoning, and BBQ sauce into the skillet. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly to ensure the spices and sauces are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Allow the sauce to cook for about a minute, which helps to release and meld the flavors, creating a deep and robust base that will coat the pasta beautifully.
Add Pasta and Stock
Now, it’s time to incorporate the pasta and liquid into the dish. Pour in the dried pasta and 500ml of chicken stock into the skillet. Stir the mixture well to ensure that the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid and evenly coated with the sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, ensuring a creamy and cohesive texture without being too dry.
Add the Cheese
Once the pasta is cooked to the desired tenderness, sprinkle the reduced-fat grated cheese evenly over the top of the pasta. Cover the skillet again and allow the cheese to melt for about 2-3 minutes. The melted cheese will create a creamy, gooey layer that binds all the ingredients together, adding a rich and satisfying texture to the dish. Stir gently to incorporate the melted cheese throughout the pasta, ensuring every bite is infused with cheesy goodness.
Garnish and Serve
Finally, it’s time to add the finishing touches to your BBQ Chicken Pasta. Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the dish with freshly chopped spring onions and extra cooked bacon for added flavor and crunch. Serve the pasta hot, accompanied by a side of steamed broccoli to add a nutritious and vibrant element to your meal. This final step not only enhances the visual appeal of the dish but also ensures a balanced and delicious meal that’s ready to be enjoyed by everyone at the table.
BBQ Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Large skillet or deep pan with a lid
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Measuring spoons and cup
- Grater (for cheese)
Ingredients
- 1 diced red onion
- 1 diced pepper
- 3 crushed garlic cloves
- 400 g diced chicken breast
- 3 bacon medallions
- 2 tbsp tomato puree
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- 1 tsp onion granules
- 1 tbsp BBQ seasoning
- 2-3 tbsp BBQ sauce
- 300 g dried pasta
- 500 ml chicken stock
- 80 g reduced-fat grated cheese
- For garnish: Spring onions and extra cooked bacon
- For serving: Steamed broccoli
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté the Veggies. Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat and add a splash of oil or cooking spray. Add the diced onion and pepper, frying for a few minutes until softened. Add the crushed garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Bacon. Add the diced chicken and chopped bacon medallions to the pan. Cook until the chicken gets some color on all sides.
- Step 3: Build the Sauce. Stir in the tomato puree, smoked paprika, garlic granules, onion granules, BBQ seasoning, and BBQ sauce. Mix everything well and cook for a minute to bring out the flavors.
- Step 4: Add Pasta and Stock. Pour in the dried pasta and 500ml of chicken stock. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Step 5: Add the Cheese. Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top of the pasta. Cover the pan again and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.
- Step 6: Garnish and Serve. Top with chopped spring onions and extra bacon if you like. Serve hot with a side of steamed broccoli.
Notes
- Don’t Burn the Garlic: Add garlic only after the onions and peppers have softened to avoid burning it.
- Stir the Pasta: Stir occasionally while it cooks to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Adjust the Liquid: If the pasta looks too dry while cooking, add a splash more stock or water.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this pasta with a simple green salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal.
- Add a slice of garlic bread for a classic combo.
- Drizzle more BBQ sauce on top for an extra smoky kick before serving.
Fun Fact
Did you know that BBQ sauce has regional varieties? In the U.S., you’ll find sweet tomato-based BBQ sauce in Kansas City, vinegar-based in North Carolina, and mustard-based in South Carolina. This recipe uses a versatile tomato-based BBQ sauce, but feel free to experiment with your favorite kind!
Conclusion
This BBQ Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food with a smoky twist. It’s easy to make, flavorful, and a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Plus, it’s versatile enough to double as a pasta salad the next day! Give it a try, and let me know how much your family loves it. Happy cooking!