Weeknight dinners can be a real challenge – juggling work, family obligations, and the desire to put a delicious, homemade meal on the table. That’s where one-pan wonders like this One-Pan BBQ Chicken Pasta come to the rescue! With just a few simple ingredients and one-pot cooking, you can have a flavorful, family-friendly dish on the table in no time.

Ingredients for One-Pan BBQ Chicken Pasta

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredient list. You’ll need penne pasta, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, your favorite BBQ sauce, chicken broth, canned corn, canned black beans, shredded cheese, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous touch as a garnish.

When selecting the BBQ sauce, go for a flavor profile that your family enjoys – whether that’s a tangy Kansas City-style, a sweet and smoky Southern-style, or a spicy Texas-style. And feel free to use any type of pasta you have on hand; penne is the classic choice, but you can easily substitute with spaghetti, fusilli, or even gluten-free options.

Step-by-Step Instructions for One-Pan BBQ Chicken Pasta

This one-pan meal comes together in just a few simple steps:

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Sauté the Chicken: In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté the chicken until it’s cooked through and lightly browned.
Add the BBQ Sauce and Broth: Pour in the BBQ sauce and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Combine the Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, corn, and black beans to the pot, stirring everything together to ensure the pasta is well-coated in the BBQ sauce.
Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, cover the pot, and let it cook for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the pot from the heat, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, and serve the One-Pan BBQ Chicken Pasta warm.

Tips for Perfecting One-Pan BBQ Chicken Pasta

To ensure your One-Pan BBQ Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

Cook the Chicken Thoroughly: Take the time to sauté the chicken pieces until they’re cooked through and lightly browned. This will help the chicken stay tender and juicy.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be sure to cook the penne pasta al dente, as it will continue to absorb the sauce as it bakes. Overcooked pasta can become mushy.
Balance the Flavors: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more BBQ sauce, salt, or pepper to suit your taste preferences.
Store Leftovers Properly: Any leftover One-Pan BBQ Chicken Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the pasta in a baking dish and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

One-Pan BBQ Chicken Pasta is not only delicious, but it’s also a nutritious meal option. Each serving provides a balance of lean protein from the chicken, complex carbohydrates from the pasta, and fiber from the corn and black beans. The BBQ sauce adds a flavorful punch without excessive added sugars or sodium.

Depending on the brand of BBQ sauce and specific ingredients used, a serving of this dish contains approximately 400-500 calories, 30-40 grams of protein, 50-60 grams of carbohydrates, and 10-15 grams of fat. It’s also a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a well-rounded and wholesome family meal.

For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily make this dish gluten-free by using a gluten-free pasta, and vegetarian or vegan by omitting the chicken and using plant-based protein sources like tofu or chickpeas.

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FAQs About One-Pan BBQ Chicken Pasta

Can I use leftover chicken for BBQ chicken pasta?

Yes, you can definitely use leftover chicken for BBQ chicken pasta. Simply shred or chop the chicken and add it to the pasta dish during the cooking process.

How can I make BBQ chicken pasta dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version of BBQ chicken pasta, you can use a dairy-free cream or yogurt alternative in place of traditional dairy products like cream or cheese. You can also omit any cheese toppings and opt for dairy-free alternatives.

Can I make BBQ chicken pasta in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make BBQ chicken pasta in a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Can I use a different type of pasta for BBQ chicken pasta?

Yes, you can use a different type of pasta for BBQ chicken pasta. While the traditional recipe calls for penne pasta, you can use any type of pasta you prefer such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta options. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the pasta shape and size.

Conclusion

One-Pan BBQ Chicken Pasta is a delightful and easy-to-prepare meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With its flavor-packed combination of tender chicken, penne pasta, and a zesty BBQ sauce, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. Give it a try tonight and enjoy the convenience of a one-pot wonder that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Let us know how your One-Pan BBQ Chicken Pasta turns out! We’d love to hear your feedback and any creative variations you come up with. Bon appétit!

Easy One-Pan BBQ Chicken Pasta Recipe

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Author: MixMealMagic
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This One-Pan BBQ Chicken Pasta is a simple yet delicious meal that combines tender chicken, penne pasta, and a zesty BBQ sauce for a satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces penne pasta
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
2 cups chicken broth
1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Sauté the Chicken: In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté the chicken until it’s cooked through and lightly browned.
Add the BBQ Sauce and Broth: Pour in the BBQ sauce and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Combine the Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, corn, and black beans to the pot, stirring everything together to ensure the pasta is well-coated in the BBQ sauce.
Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, cover the pot, and let it cook for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the pot from the heat, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, and serve the One-Pan BBQ Chicken Pasta warm.

Notes

Cook the Chicken Thoroughly: Ensure the chicken pieces are cooked through and lightly browned for tenderness.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Balance the Flavors: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed.
Store Leftovers Properly: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: One-Pan Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 10 grams
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 60
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 75mg