Introduction
A one-skillet creamy BBQ chicken and sausage pasta delivers the perfect balance of sweet barbecue, rich creaminess, and savory sausage in every bite. This versatile one-pan meal is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend feast, or an impressive dish for entertaining friends. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s a go-to recipe that blends convenience with comfort. Follow along to learn how to create this mouthwatering dish in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy BBQ chicken and sausage pasta. Feel free to swap ingredients based on taste and dietary preferences.
– 8 oz (2 cups) penne or rigatoni pasta
(Provides the perfect surface for creamy sauce; swap with gluten-free pasta if needed.)
– 1 tbsp olive oil
(For searing chicken and sausage; substitute with avocado oil or butter.)
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
(Thighs stay juicier, breasts are leaner.)
– ½ lb smoked sausage, sliced
(Adds smoky, savory depth; try chorizo, kielbasa, or plant-based sausage.)
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
(Aromatic base; increase for extra flavor.)
– 2 tbsp honey
(Balances savory and garlic with sweetness; replace with maple syrup.)
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
(Adds nuttiness and creaminess; swap with Pecorino Romano.)
– 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
(Creates the lusciously creamy sauce; for lighter, use whole milk plus a tbsp flour.)
– ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
(Brings signature sweet, tangy barbecue flavor.)
– 1 cup chicken broth
(De-glazes the pan and helps cook the pasta; vegetable broth works, too.)
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (optional garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add pasta and cook 1–2 minutes less than package instructions (al dente).
3. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water, and set aside.
Tip: Undercooking the pasta lets it finish absorbing the sauce without becoming mushy.
Searing and Seasoning the Chicken and Sausage
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering.
2. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sear 4–5 minutes until golden and opaque.
3. Transfer chicken to a plate.
4. In the same skillet, add sausage slices; cook 3 minutes per side until browned.
A golden sear locks in juices and builds flavor through the Maillard reaction.
Creating the Garlic-Honey-Parmesan Sauce
1. Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth; stir to combine.
3. Whisk in honey, Parmesan, and BBQ sauce until smooth.
4. Simmer 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats a spoon.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
Watch for a glossy, creamy texture—this signals the sauce is ready.
Combining All Ingredients
1. Return chicken and sausage to the skillet.
2. Add drained pasta and reserved pasta water to the sauce.
3. Gently toss until every piece is coated.
4. Cook 1–2 minutes more to meld flavors and thicken.
Optional add-ins: stir in sliced bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or baby spinach for color and nutrition.
Tips for Success:
Quality Ingredients
Using high-quality barbecue sauce and freshly grated cheese makes a noticeable difference. Opt for a tangy, smoky sauce and avoid bottled cheeses—fresh shreds melt more smoothly, yielding a luscious creamy BBQ pasta.
Proper Pasta Technique
To prevent mushy noodles, reserve a small amount of chicken broth or pasta cooking water. If the sauce thickens too quickly, gradually add liquid until you achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
Flavor Balancing
Taste the sauce before adding pasta. Adjust seasoning with a pinch of smoked paprika, a dash of hot sauce, or a teaspoon of honey for sweetness. Balancing tang, heat, and sweetness is key for a standout BBQ pasta recipe.
Serving Suggestions:
Crisp Side Salad
Pair this creamy BBQ chicken and sausage pasta with a bright, green salad. A mix of lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber ribbons, and a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds fresh crunch.
Grilled Vegetables
Serve alongside charred bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus for a smoky complement. Toss veggies in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and grill until tender for a harmonious flavor pairing.
Cheesy Garlic Bread
Nothing completes a one-skillet meal like buttery garlic bread. Top sliced baguette with garlic butter and Parmesan, then toast until golden. The gooey, cheesy bread soaks up any leftover BBQ cream sauce for an irresistible finish.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigeration Storage
Allow the creamy BBQ chicken and sausage pasta to cool completely, then transfer into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Label with the preparation date for best tracking.
Reheating on the Stove
For best texture, reheat portions in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce, stirring gently until heated through. This method preserves the one-skillet creaminess.
Freezing Tips
Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers. Leave a little headspace for expansion and seal tightly. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stove as directed for optimal flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use smoked sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Yes! Smoked sausage adds extra depth and smokiness, enhancing the BBQ flavors.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute pasta with a certified gluten-free variety and ensure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free.
3. Can I swap heavy cream for milk?
You can use whole milk, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a teaspoon of cornstarch to thicken if needed.
4. What’s the best BBQ sauce for this dish?
A sweet and tangy sauce works best. Hickory or mesquite-flavored BBQ sauces complement the creamy base.
5. How do I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes while sautéing onions or use a spicy sausage for an extra kick.
6. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Partially: cook through step 4, cool, and refrigerate. Finish cooking before serving to maintain texture.
7. What can I serve alongside this pasta?
A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables balance the richness of the creamy BBQ sauce.
8. Is there a vegetarian alternative?
Use plant-based chicken strips and vegetarian sausage, and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth.
9. How can I reduce calories?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and choose low-fat sausage or turkey sausage.
10. Can I add vegetables directly?
Yes—bell peppers or mushrooms can be sautéed with the onions for extra nutrition.
Conclusion
This One-Skillet Creamy BBQ Chicken and Sausage Pasta is the ultimate easy weeknight dinner, blending tender chicken, flavorful sausage, and a rich, BBQ-infused cream sauce—all in one pan. With minimal prep, straightforward steps, and quick cooking time, it brings comfort food flair to your table without the fuss.
Whether you’re meal-prepping, feeding a hungry family, or craving a smoky pasta twist, this recipe stands out as a reliable, crowd-pleasing dish. Don’t forget to store leftovers properly for future reheating—and enjoy this delicious BBQ pasta again and again!