There’s something incredibly satisfying about pulling off a hearty, flavor-packed meal with just one skillet. When the clock is ticking and hunger is creeping in, this Quick BBQ Chicken Pasta Skillet comes to the rescue with smoky-sweet barbecue sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheddar cheese—all wrapped around perfectly cooked rotini pasta. It’s fast, family-friendly, and full of comforting layers that make weeknight dinners feel anything but ordinary.
What sets this dish apart isn’t just its speed (though it’s ready in about 35 minutes)—it’s the bold blend of textures and flavors, from crispy fried onions on top to the deep, savory notes tucked into every bite. Whether you’re feeding a busy household or just need something quick after work, this skillet has you covered.
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Quick BBQ Chicken Pasta Skillet: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Dinner
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Quick BBQ Chicken Pasta Skillet is your new favorite weeknight dinner. It’s smoky, cheesy, loaded with shredded chicken, and ready in just over 30 minutes—all in one pan.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 cup diced yellow onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 cups dry rotini pasta
1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar-style cheese
1/2 cup crispy fried onions
1 tablespoon freshly chopped cilantro
Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet with a lid over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring often, until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
2. Add the dry pasta, diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, barbecue sauce, and shredded chicken to the skillet. Stir well to combine everything evenly.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
4. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the pasta. Cover the skillet again and cook for 2–3 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted.
5. Remove from heat and garnish with crispy fried onions and chopped cilantro. Serve warm, with extra barbecue sauce on the side if desired.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken to save even more time. For a creamier finish, stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese with the shredded cheese. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Quick & Easy Dinners
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Weeknight Dinner Magic with Quick BBQ Chicken Pasta Skillet
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It delivers serious comfort food vibes without asking for much effort—just a handful of pantry staples, a single skillet, and less than 40 minutes of your time.
Why This Quick BBQ Chicken Pasta Skillet Works
What makes this recipe tick is how it brings together familiar, crowd-pleasing ingredients in a way that feels fresh. The combination of pasta and barbecue sauce might not be traditional, but it’s instantly craveable. Add shredded chicken for protein and cheddar for that gooey, cheesy pull—suddenly, dinner feels like something special even when it’s thrown together on a tight schedule.
A One-Pan Wonder for Busy Families
The real winner here? You cook everything in one skillet. That means less cleanup, fewer dishes, and more time enjoying your meal instead of scrubbing pots. It’s the kind of recipe that fits seamlessly into busy weeknights when every minute counts. Even better, it’s family-approved—mild enough for kids but bold enough to satisfy adults.
Fast Comfort Food without the Fuss
There’s no roux to whisk, no oven to preheat, and no complicated steps to juggle. Just layer in ingredients, simmer, and sprinkle with cheese. It’s straightforward and forgiving, making it a perfect choice for cooks of any skill level.
Layers of Flavor in Every Bite
This skillet doesn’t hold back on flavor. It balances the smoky tang of BBQ sauce with the richness of cheese and the savory depth of garlic and onion—giving you that made-from-scratch taste without the long cook time.
The Sweet and Smoky BBQ Sauce Combo
The star of this dish is undoubtedly the barbecue sauce. Its bold flavor threads through every bite, bringing that familiar backyard barbecue essence to the stovetop. For a deeper smoky hit, try using a mesquite-style sauce; for something sweeter, go with a honey BBQ blend. Either way, the sauce ties everything together beautifully.
Chicken, Cheese, and Crispy Onion Bliss
Shredded chicken adds hearty substance while the cheddar cheese melts into a creamy blanket of flavor. But the final touch—the crispy fried onions—brings it all home. They add just the right crunch and a pop of savory-sweetness that elevates the entire skillet. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.
Tomato and Garlic: The Savory Backbone
Petite diced tomatoes and minced garlic are the behind-the-scenes heroes of this dish. The tomatoes lend moisture and tang that balance the sweetness of the barbecue sauce, while the garlic adds just enough punch to round out the flavor profile.
Making It Even Faster and Easier
Even though this dish is quick by design, there are ways to make it even more weeknight-friendly. With a few smart tweaks, you can streamline the process and make it truly foolproof.
Prep Shortcuts You’ll Love
Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is your best friend here. Just shred it up and toss it in—no extra cooking required. You can also dice your onions ahead of time or buy them pre-chopped to save a few minutes on the front end. Using jarred minced garlic? Go for it.
Smart Ingredient Swaps for Convenience
If you don’t have rotini on hand, penne or shells work just as well. You can also swap out the cheddar for a blend of mozzarella and Monterey Jack if you want a slightly creamier finish. For a smoky twist, try adding a few dashes of chipotle powder or smoked paprika.
One Skillet, No Stress
Everything cooks together, which means all those wonderful flavors marry as the pasta simmers. There’s no draining required, no separate sauce to fuss over. Just stir occasionally and watch as the magic happens.
How to Serve and Store Your Quick BBQ Chicken Pasta Skillet
This skillet meal is designed for immediate enjoyment, but leftovers store beautifully—and the flavors might be even better the next day.
Best Garnishes and Sides to Pair It With
Top your bowl with extra crispy onions, a drizzle of barbecue sauce, or fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. If you’re serving a crowd, pair it with a side of 20-Minute Chicken Lasagna Skillet or a simple green salad to balance out the richness.
How to Store Leftovers for Maximum Freshness
Let the dish cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to four days. The crispy onions may lose a bit of their crunch, so store those separately if possible.
Reheating Without Losing Flavor
To reheat, pop a portion into the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. You can also warm it on the stovetop over low heat. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese if you want to restore that gooey, just-cooked finish.
More Skillet Dinners to Explore
If this recipe hit the spot, there are more quick and delicious skillet meals where it came from. Think of this as your gateway to faster, smarter dinners that don’t sacrifice taste.
If You Like This, Try Our 20-Minute Chicken Lasagna
This ultra-fast twist on classic lasagna comes together in one pan, with layers of pasta, meat, and melty cheese in every bite. It’s the perfect choice for nights when you want something cozy without all the prep of traditional lasagna.
Another Creamy Favorite: Chicken Bacon Pasta
For another crowd-pleasing meal, don’t miss our Quick Creamy Chicken Bacon Pasta. With crispy bacon and a luscious sauce that coats every bite, it’s a go-to recipe for indulgent weeknights.
Why Skillet Meals Are the Ultimate Time-Savers
One-pan meals like this one are more than convenient—they’re strategic. They cut down on cleanup, streamline your prep, and make it easier to stick to home-cooked meals even on your busiest days.
FAQs About BBQ Chicken Pasta
Is this like a BBQ chicken pasta bake?
While similar in flavor, this dish isn’t baked—it’s made entirely on the stovetop. It offers all the comfort of a BBQ chicken pasta bake but skips the oven time, making it faster and easier for weeknights.
Can I make creamy BBQ chicken pasta with this recipe?
Absolutely. If you’re craving creamy BBQ chicken pasta, just stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese along with the cheddar to add that velvety texture without overpowering the barbecue flavor.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes—penne, fusilli, or even macaroni work well. Just be sure to keep the pasta-to-liquid ratio consistent and adjust the cook time as needed for different shapes.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
You can freeze it, though the texture of the pasta may soften slightly upon reheating. For best results, freeze without the crispy onions and add them fresh after thawing and warming.
Conclusion: A Skillet Dinner You’ll Make Again and Again
When dinner needs to be quick, comforting, and satisfying, this Quick BBQ Chicken Pasta Skillet checks every box. It’s got bold flavor, hearty ingredients, and a gooey, cheesy finish that always hits the spot. Best of all, it comes together in a single pan—no extra mess, no complicated steps, just pure dinner-time joy. Once you try it, you’ll be adding this one to your regular rotation in no time.
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