Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pasta—a dish that combines tender chicken, rich barbecue sauce, and gooey cheese for a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this recipe is simple yet packed with flavor. Join our kitchen companion membership for more delicious recipes like this!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Pasta: 200 g penne pasta
- Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 400 g)
- BBQ Sauce: 100 ml (your favorite brand)
- Cheese:
- 75 g extra mature cheddar cheese, grated
- 75 g mozzarella cheese, grated
- Vegetables:
- 1 medium red onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Cream: 100 ml double cream or heavy cream
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon for sautéing
- Spices:
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Flour: 1 tablespoon (for thickening)
- Chicken Stock: 250 ml (low sodium preferred)
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
Grocery List
- Penne pasta
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- BBQ sauce
- Extra mature cheddar cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Red onion
- Red bell pepper
- Garlic
- Double cream or heavy cream
- Olive oil
- Smoked paprika
- Cayenne pepper
- Plain flour
- Chicken stock
Cooking Costs
The estimated cost for preparing this dish is approximately $15-$20, depending on local prices and whether you choose organic ingredients.
Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
- Sauté the Vegetables and Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and red bell pepper; sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Increase heat to medium-high, add the chicken pieces, and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Sprinkle flour over the chicken mixture; stir well for about a minute.
- Pour in the chicken stock and BBQ sauce; bring to a simmer.
- Allow to bubble gently for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Stir in the double cream and cooked pasta; mix well until everything is coated in sauce.
- Add grated cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and gooey.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese or chopped green onions if desired.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 550 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands of ingredients used.
Tips & Notes
- For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in BBQ sauce for an hour before cooking.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier texture.
- Feel free to add vegetables like corn or peas for extra nutrition.
- This dish can be made ahead of time; simply reheat on the stove before serving.
Enjoy your deliciously cheesy BBQ chicken pasta! Don’t forget to join our kitchen companion membership for more mouth-watering recipes!
