What’s the perfect weeknight dinner solution? This one skillet creamy smoky bbq chicken and sausage pasta is a game changer, packed with juicy chicken and sausage, all made easy with a quick homemade sauce. Save this idea for a delicious family favorite meal.

one skillet creamy smoky bbq chicken and sausage pasta

Introduction

This one skillet creamy smoky BBQ chicken and sausage pasta is a game-changer for any meal. It’s incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, and uses everyday ingredients that you likely have in your pantry. The combination of smoky BBQ sauce, spicy sausage, and tender chicken, all wrapped up in a creamy pasta dish, is a match made in heaven. Whether you’re a busy weeknight warrior or a weekend meal prep master, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. The best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you need something delicious and fast.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This dish strikes the perfect balance between smoky, spicy, and creamy, using ingredients that are easily found in most grocery stores.
Ease of preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have a hearty, satisfying meal on the table in no time.
Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, this recipe yields impressive results that are sure to wow your family and friends.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this recipe include boneless, skinless chicken breasts, smoked sausage (such as Andouille), penne pasta, BBQ sauce, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. You’ll also need some basic pantry staples like olive oil, salt, and pepper. If you want to add some extra flavor, you can throw in some diced onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Practical substitutions include using different types of sausage or pasta, and swapping out the heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by chopping your sausage and chicken into bite-sized pieces. Slice the bell peppers and onions, and mince the garlic. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, then set it aside.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside with the sausage.
Step 3: Add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the skillet and cook until they’re tender, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Pour in the BBQ sauce and stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it’s slightly thickened. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and sausage back to the skillet and stir until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Reduce the heat to low and let the pasta simmer in the sauce for a few minutes until it’s heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot. You can garnish with chopped fresh parsley or scallions, and serve with some crusty bread on the side.

Handy Tips

Make sure to not overcrowd the skillet when cooking the sausage and chicken, as this can affect the texture and flavor of the dish. Cook in batches if necessary.
If using a different type of pasta, be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Some pasta shapes may take longer to cook than others.
To avoid a greasy sauce, be sure to not add too much olive oil to the skillet. You can always add more, but it’s harder to remove excess oil from the sauce.

Heat Control

When cooking the sausage and chicken, it’s essential to have the heat at medium-high to get a nice brown on the outside. However, when simmering the sauce, you’ll want to reduce the heat to low to prevent the cream from curdling or the cheese from separating. As for doneness signs, the chicken should be cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The sausage should be browned and crispy on the outside, and the pasta should be al dente.

Crunch Factor

This dish should have a nice balance of textures, from the tender pasta and chicken to the crispy sausage and crunchy bell peppers. To achieve this, be sure to not overcook the pasta or the vegetables. You can also add some crunchy toppings like chopped nuts or crispy bacon bits to give it an extra crunch.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Use a large skillet: A large skillet is essential for cooking the sausage, chicken, and pasta all in one pan. Look for one that’s at least 12 inches in diameter.
Don’t skip the browned bits: The browned bits on the bottom of the skillet are where all the flavor is. Be sure to scrape them up when adding the BBQ sauce to get all that delicious flavor into the sauce.
Add some acidity: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of vinegar can help balance out the richness of the cream and cheese.

Storage Tips

Leftover storage: Let the pasta cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot and steaming.
Reheating tips: When reheating, you can add a splash of water or cream to thin out the sauce if it’s become too thick. You can also add some extra BBQ sauce or cheese to give it an extra boost of flavor.
Shelf life: This pasta dish is best consumed within 3 days, but it can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it as usual.

Gift Packaging Ideas

While this dish is best served hot and fresh, you can also package it up as a gift for a friend or family member. Simply cool the pasta completely, then transfer it to a microwave-safe container. Add a splash of cream or water to thin out the sauce, then top it with some extra cheese and a sprinkle of parsley. You can wrap the container in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and tie it with a ribbon. Add a gift tag with reheating instructions, and you’re good to go.

Flavor Variations

Different spices: You can add some dried oregano, basil, or thyme to give it an Italian twist. You can also add some cumin or chili powder to give it a spicy kick.
Creative toppings: Some creative toppings you can add include diced tomatoes, chopped fresh herbs! like parsley or cilantro, or some crumbled bacon or nuts.
Ingredient swaps: You can swap out the chicken for some shrimp or steak, or use different types of sausage like chorizo or pepperoni. You can also use different types of cheese like mozzarella or parmesan.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with some water or cream. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it for a few minutes to reduce it.
Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead. If you don’t have cheddar cheese, you can use mozzarella or parmesan.
Over/undercooking signs: If the pasta is overcooked, it will be mushy and unappetizing. If it’s undercooked, it will be hard and crunchy. The chicken should be cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze this pasta dish for up to 2 months. Simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it as usual.
Is it gluten-free? No, this pasta dish contains gluten due to the pasta and BBQ sauce. However, you can substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free BBQ sauce to make it gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Simply multiply all the ingredients by two and cook it in a larger skillet.

Conclusion

This one skillet creamy smoky BBQ chicken and sausage pasta is a delicious and easy meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its rich and creamy sauce, tender pasta, and spicy sausage, it’s sure to become a staple in your household. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own twist to the recipe, and be sure to share it with your friends and family. Happy cooking!

Smoky Creamy Chicken Pasta