Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While medium shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli work best because they catch the sauce in their ridges, you could use any pasta you have on hand. Long pastas like spaghetti or fettuccine will work too, though they might not hold the sauce quite as well.

What if I don't have pancetta?

Regular bacon makes an excellent substitute for pancetta. If you want to skip the pork entirely, you can simply omit it and add an extra tablespoon of olive oil, though you'll lose some of that smoky, savory depth. For a non-pork option, try using smoked turkey or even a teaspoon of smoked salt.

Can I make this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?

You can prepare this dish up to the point of adding the pasta and chicken back to the sauce. Cool everything separately, then combine and reheat gently on the stovetop when ready to serve, adding the cheese at the last minute. You might need extra pasta water or chicken stock to loosen the sauce when reheating.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter or healthier?

Several easy adaptations can make this dish lighter. Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber, reduce the amount of pancetta or substitute with turkey bacon, increase the vegetables, and use reduced-fat mozzarella. You can also swap half the pasta for zucchini noodles or other spiralized vegetables.

BBQ Chicken Pasta Recipe

Name: BBQ Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion granules; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 5 oz (150 g) smoked pancetta cubes; 1 medium onion, finely diced; 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced; 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped; ½ cup (125 ml) chicken stock; 1 cup (150 g) diced tomatoes; ¼ cup (75 g) BBQ sauce; 10 oz (300 g) pasta; ½ cup (50 g) mozzarella, grated; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

This BBQ Chicken Pasta combines the smoky, sweet flavors of barbecue with tender chicken and pasta for a mouthwatering meal that comes together in just 35 minutes. The combination of crispy pancetta, juicy chicken, and melty mozzarella creates an irresistible comfort food dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Weeknight Dinner: Ready in about 35 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for those busy evenings when you’re short on time but still want something homemade.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of smoky paprika, sweet BBQ sauce, and savory pancetta creates incredible depth of flavor that makes this dish anything but boring.
One-Pan Wonder: Most of the cooking happens in a single pan, which means fewer dishes to wash afterward!
Family Favorite: Both kids and adults go crazy for this pasta – it’s that perfect balance of familiar comfort food with exciting flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken breast: The protein star of our dish, it soaks up all the delicious seasonings and stays juicy and tender.
Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion granules, dried oregano: This spice blend creates an incredible flavor base for the chicken – don’t skimp on the smoked paprika as it adds that signature barbecue-like smokiness.
Pancetta cubes: These add a wonderful salty, savory element that elevates the entire dish – bacon can work as a substitute in a pinch.
Onion and red bell pepper: Provides sweetness, texture and a pop of color to the dish.
Garlic: Fresh is best here to give that aromatic punch that forms the foundation of our sauce.
Chicken stock: Creates the base for our sauce while adding depth of flavor – use low sodium if you’re watching salt intake.
Diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and brightness to balance the richness of the dish.
BBQ sauce: The star ingredient that brings everything together – choose your favorite brand (sweet, spicy, or smoky) to customize the flavor profile.
Pasta: Medium shapes like penne, rotini or fusilli work best as they catch all that delicious sauce in their ridges and curves.
Mozzarella: Adds that irresistible melty, cheesy finish that brings everything together.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Make It Spicy

Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the onions and bell peppers for some heat.

Veggie Boost

Throw in some baby spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms in the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrition.

Cheese Options

Try using smoked gouda, cheddar, or a combination of cheeses instead of just mozzarella for different flavor profiles.

Protein Swap

Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for even juicier meat, or substitute with turkey, shrimp, or make it vegetarian with chickpeas.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. Remember to reserve 1-2 cups of pasta water before draining – this starchy liquid is liquid gold for adjusting your sauce later!

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

Toss the diced chicken with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion granules, oregano, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and cook the seasoned chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pan (don’t clean it – those chicken bits are flavor!), add the remaining olive oil and sauté the pancetta until it gets nice and crispy. Add the diced onion and sliced red bell pepper, cooking for about 5 minutes until they soften. Stir in the garlic and cook for just a minute until fragrant – be careful not to burn it!

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Pour in the chicken stock, diced tomatoes, and BBQ sauce, stirring to combine and scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly, developing a rich, concentrated flavor.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add the drained pasta and cooked chicken back to the pan with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese

Sprinkle in the mozzarella and gently stir until it melts into the pasta, creating a creamy, cheesy finish. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook it just until al dente as it will continue cooking slightly when added to the hot sauce.
Season in Layers: Seasoning the chicken separately and building flavor with each addition ensures a more complex, delicious end result.
Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy liquid is perfect for adjusting the consistency of your sauce – add a little at a time until you reach the perfect texture.
Use a Large Pan: Give everything enough room to cook evenly rather than steam in a crowded pan.
Choose Quality BBQ Sauce: Since it’s a key flavor component, use a BBQ sauce you really enjoy eating.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This BBQ Chicken Pasta works beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish.

Bread Please

Some garlic bread or a crusty baguette makes the perfect tool for sopping up any extra sauce on your plate.

Garnish Options

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives adds brightness, while an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce and a pinch of red pepper flakes can add visual appeal and flavor boost.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop nicely as it sits!

Freezing

This pasta freezes well for up to 2 months. Portion into freezer-safe containers for easy individual servings.

Note: The pasta might absorb more sauce during storage, so be prepared to add a splash of chicken broth when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to revive the sauce. For microwave reheating, cover loosely and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While medium shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli work best because they catch the sauce in their ridges, you could use any pasta you have on hand. Long pastas like spaghetti or fettuccine will work too, though they might not hold the sauce quite as well.
What if I don’t have pancetta?

Regular bacon makes an excellent substitute for pancetta. If you want to skip the pork entirely, you can simply omit it and add an extra tablespoon of olive oil, though you’ll lose some of that smoky, savory depth. For a non-pork option, try using smoked turkey or even a teaspoon of smoked salt.
Can I make this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?

You can prepare this dish up to the point of adding the pasta and chicken back to the sauce. Cool everything separately, then combine and reheat gently on the stovetop when ready to serve, adding the cheese at the last minute. You might need extra pasta water or chicken stock to loosen the sauce when reheating.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter or healthier?

Several easy adaptations can make this dish lighter. Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber, reduce the amount of pancetta or substitute with turkey bacon, increase the vegetables, and use reduced-fat mozzarella. You can also swap half the pasta for zucchini noodles or other spiralized vegetables.

Final Thoughts

This BBQ Chicken Pasta brings together classic comfort food elements with the bold, smoky-sweet flavor of barbecue for a truly satisfying meal. It’s the kind of recipe that proves delicious weeknight cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for leftovers to enjoy throughout the week, this pasta dish delivers big on flavor while keeping the process straightforward. Give it a try the next time you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and absolutely scrumptious!