Craving a dinner that’s hearty, cheesy, smoky, and incredibly easy to make? This Smoky BBQ Cheesy Chicken Penne brings all those flavors together in one skillet.
Tender bites of seasoned chicken are cooked with penne pasta before being coated in tangy barbecue sauce and finished with a generous layer of melted cheddar and mozzarella. The pasta absorbs the savory cooking liquid as it simmers, creating a flavorful meal without the need for a separate pot of pasta.
Best of all, everything comes together in roughly 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you want serious comfort food without a mountain of dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-skillet dinner: Cook the chicken, pasta, sauce, and cheese in one pan.
- Big BBQ flavor: Smoky, tangy barbecue sauce gives the pasta a bold finish.
- Extra cheesy: Cheddar and mozzarella create a deliciously gooey topping.
- Quick and easy: A satisfying dinner can be on the table in about 30 minutes.
- Family-friendly: The familiar combination of chicken, pasta, BBQ sauce, and cheese is easy to love.
- Easy to customize: Add vegetables, switch the cheese, or adjust the BBQ sauce to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pasta & Sauce
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For Finishing
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra black pepper, if desired
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
Place the diced chicken in a bowl and season it with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the pieces are evenly coated.
2. Brown the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pieces develop a golden exterior and are cooked through.
3. Add the Broth and Pasta
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the uncooked penne and stir well.
Cover the skillet and cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring every few minutes. The pasta should become tender while absorbing the flavorful broth.
4. Stir in the BBQ Sauce
Once the pasta reaches an al dente texture, pour in the barbecue sauce. Stir thoroughly so the sauce coats the pasta and chicken.
Reduce the heat to low and allow everything to warm together for another minute or two.
5. Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the pasta. Cover the skillet and let it cook for approximately 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese has completely melted and becomes wonderfully gooey.
6. Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit uncovered for a minute. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and serve while the cheese is still warm and stretchy.
Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Pasta
Don’t overcook the pasta. Check it toward the end of the cooking time. You want tender pasta that still has a slight bite.
Choose a BBQ sauce you genuinely enjoy. Since barbecue sauce provides much of the dish’s flavor, a smoky, tangy sauce will make a noticeable difference.
Shred your own cheese when possible. Freshly shredded cheddar and mozzarella tend to melt more smoothly.
Use a wide skillet. A large cooking surface helps the chicken brown properly and gives the pasta enough room to cook evenly.
Stir the pasta regularly. This prevents the penne from sticking together or catching on the bottom of the pan.
Let the cheese melt slowly. Keeping the heat low while the skillet is covered helps create an even, gooey cheese layer without scorching the bottom.
Easy Variations
Add Vegetables
Bell peppers, sweet corn, spinach, or sliced mushrooms can add color and extra texture.
Make It Spicy
Add crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce to bring some heat to the BBQ flavor.
Change the Cheese
Try smoked gouda for a deeper smoky flavor, Pepper Jack for heat, or Monterey Jack for an especially creamy finish.
Try Another Protein
Diced turkey, leftover grilled chicken, or cooked sausage can be used instead of fresh chicken.
Add Bacon
Crispy chopped bacon makes an excellent addition if you want a smoky, savory twist.
What to Serve With BBQ Chicken Pasta
Because this pasta is rich and filling, fresh or crisp sides work especially well.
- Crunchy coleslaw
- Simple green salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Garlic bread
- Grilled corn
- Steamed green beans
- Fresh tomato salad
A light salad with a tangy dressing is particularly good for balancing the sweet and smoky BBQ sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer
For longer storage, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the pasta and melted cheese may change slightly after thawing.
Stovetop Reheating
Place the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small splash of chicken broth or water and stir occasionally until hot.
Microwave Reheating
Heat individual portions in short intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a little broth if the pasta appears dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes. Rotini, rigatoni, fusilli, or another medium-sized pasta can work well. Cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the shape.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely. Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, jalapeños, or your favorite hot sauce.
What BBQ sauce should I use?
Use your favorite bottled or homemade BBQ sauce. Smoky, honey-style, or tangy sauces will each create a slightly different result.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Bell peppers and corn are especially good with BBQ chicken, while spinach can be stirred in near the end of cooking.
Why is my pasta sticking to the skillet?
The pasta needs enough liquid and regular stirring while it cooks. Keep the heat moderate and stir several times during the simmering stage.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare it ahead, although it is best served fresh because the cheese and pasta have their best texture immediately after cooking.
Conclusion
This Smoky BBQ Cheesy Chicken Penne is the kind of dinner that makes a busy evening feel effortless. Juicy seasoned chicken, tender pasta, tangy barbecue sauce, and two kinds of melted cheese come together in a single skillet for a comforting meal with plenty of flavor.
Serve it straight from the pan with a crisp salad or some warm garlic bread, and you’ve got an easy family dinner that feels far more indulgent than the simple preparation suggests.
