BEST BBQ CHICKEN PENNE EVER

Imagine tender penne pasta coated in a smoky, tangy BBQ sauce, studded with juicy chicken and melted cheese that pulls with every bite. This BBQ Chicken Penne is the ultimate comfort food mashup, bringing together the best of BBQ flavors and creamy pasta goodness. Get ready to experience a weeknight dinner that’s both incredibly easy and unbelievably delicious – I promise, everyone will be asking for seconds!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of salt

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand!)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, toss the cubed chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices!
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding).
4. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, flipping occasionally to ensure even cooking. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta well, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. This starchy water is liquid gold, trust me!

Step 3: Make the BBQ Sauce

1. In the same skillet you used for the chicken, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Pour in the BBQ sauce and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
5. If using, stir in the heavy cream for extra richness. This step is optional, but it adds a wonderful creaminess to the sauce.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the BBQ sauce.
2. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
3. Remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 5: Cheese It Up!

1. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta mixture.
2. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for a minute or two, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Penne!

Pro Tips & Variations for BBQ Chicken Penne Perfection

Spice It Up!

Want to add a little kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the BBQ sauce or use a spicy BBQ sauce. A little goes a long way!

Veggie Boost

Sneak in some extra veggies! Add diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans to the skillet along with the onions and garlic. They’ll add flavor, color, and nutrients to your dish.

Smoked Paprika Magic

For an extra smoky flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika when seasoning the chicken. It makes a noticeable difference!

Cheese Lovers Unite!

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a little bit of Gouda would be delicious in this BBQ Chicken Penne.

Grilling Season BBQ Chicken Penne

For a truly authentic BBQ flavor, grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet. Just brush the chicken with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling. This also works great with Chicken Thighs Dinner Recipe!

What to Serve with Your BBQ Chicken Penne

This BBQ Chicken Penne is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round it out, here are a few suggestions:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Corn on the Cob: A classic BBQ side dish that pairs perfectly with the BBQ flavors.
• Garlic Bread: Because who can resist a slice of warm, garlicky bread?
• Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw adds a cool and crunchy element to the meal.

Why This BBQ Chicken Penne is a Winner

Okay, let’s be real: there are a million pasta recipes out there. But this BBQ Chicken Penne is special, and here’s why I think you’ll love it:

• It’s Easy: Seriously, this recipe is so simple to make, even on a busy weeknight.
• It’s Flavorful: The combination of smoky BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese is just irresistible.
• It’s Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to your own tastes by adding different veggies, cheeses, or spices.
• It’s Crowd-Pleasing: This BBQ Chicken Penne is always a hit with kids and adults alike.

Other Delicious Chicken Pasta Recipes to Try

If you’re a fan of chicken and pasta, you’re in the right place! Here are a few other recipes you might enjoy. If you like a little sweet heat, you should definitley try the Hot Honey Feta Chicken recipe. Or, for a super creamy pasta, check out the Boursin Chicken Pasta. For a lighter sauce, the Chicken Scampi Pasta is a great choice. The Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is another winner. Finally, if you’re craving something tomato-based, the Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta is a must-try!

Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal

So there you have it – the ultimate BBQ Chicken Penne recipe that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. I hope you love this recipe as much as I do! It’s a fantastic way to bring BBQ flavors to the table any time of year. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Best BBQ Chicken Penne Ever

This BBQ Chicken Penne recipe combines the smoky, tangy flavors of barbecue with the comforting goodness of creamy pasta. It features tender penne pasta, juicy chicken, and melted cheese, making it a quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing weeknight meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for chicken
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of salt
• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for pasta
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream optional
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish optional
• Salt for pasta water

Equipment

• Medium bowl
• large skillet
• large pot
• colander
• measuring cups and spoons
• knife
• cutting board
• Lid for skillet

Method

 

1. In a medium bowl, toss the cubed chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned, flipping occasionally. Set aside.
4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
5. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
6. Drain the pasta well, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
7. In the same skillet you used for the chicken, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
8. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
9. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
10. Pour in the BBQ sauce and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
11. If using, stir in the heavy cream.
12. Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the BBQ sauce.
13. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
14. Remove the skillet from the heat.
15. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta mixture.
16. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for a minute or two, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
17. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
18. Serve immediately.

Notes

Spice it up by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the BBQ sauce or using a spicy BBQ sauce. Add diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans for a veggie boost. For an extra smoky flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika. Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Gouda. Grill the chicken for a truly authentic BBQ flavor.