Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that's bursting with flavor and ready in just 30 minutes? Meet the BBQ Chicken Pasta Skillet—a mouthwatering blend of tender penne pasta, succulent shredded chicken, and zesty BBQ sauce that will have your taste buds dancing! This one-pan wonder not only simplifies your cooking process but also delivers a satisfying meal that your whole family will love. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to whip up a delicious dinner that’s sure to impress!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Measure out 8 oz of penne pasta, 2 cups of cooked and shredded chicken, 1 cup of BBQ sauce, 1 cup of corn (either frozen or canned), 1/2 cup of diced red onion, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Set aside.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced red onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the cooked and shredded chicken to the skillet with the onions, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm the chicken through.
- If using frozen corn, add it to the skillet now and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through. If using canned corn, drain it first and add it to the skillet, cooking just until heated.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it directly to the skillet with the chicken, onions, and corn. Pour in the 1 cup of BBQ sauce, stirring everything together until well combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid for a couple of minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Once the cheese is melted, season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Gently stir to incorporate the melted cheese into the pasta.
- Serve the BBQ Chicken Pasta Skillet warm, garnished with additional BBQ sauce or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can cook and shred your chicken in advance. This way, when you're ready to make the dish, all you need to do is combine the ingredients!
- Pasta Perfection: Be sure to cook the penne pasta until it's al dente. This ensures it retains a bit of bite and won't become mushy when mixed with the other ingredients.
- Customize Your Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces to suit your taste. A smoky sauce can add depth, while a tangy one can brighten the dish.
- Add Some Veggies: For extra nutrition, consider adding bell peppers or spinach to the skillet. They not only enhance the flavor but also add vibrant color to your meal.
- Cheese Lovers Unite: If you're a cheese enthusiast, don't hesitate to sprinkle more cheddar or even try different types like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Garnish for Flair: A drizzle of extra BBQ sauce or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can elevate the presentation and flavor of your dish before serving.
- Leftover Magic: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 95mg
