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

Description

This BBQ Chicken Pasta is a delicious and hearty fusion of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors, perfect for satisfying pasta cravings. Tender chicken, crispy pancetta, and a rich BBQ-infused tomato sauce come together in perfect harmony, creating a comforting dinner that is both easy to make and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken

1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion granules
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Sauce

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
1/2 cup (125 ml) chicken stock
1 cup (150 g) diced tomatoes
1/4 cup (75 g) BBQ sauce
10 oz (300 g) pasta
1/2 cup (50 g) mozzarella, grated
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve 1–2 cups of pasta water before draining the pasta.
Season the Chicken
Toss the diced chicken with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion granules, dried oregano, salt, and ground black pepper until evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate.
Sauté the Pancetta
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the pancetta cubes over medium heat until they are crispy and fragrant.
Cook the Vegetables
Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the pan, cooking for about 5 minutes or until softened. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.
Make the Sauce
Pour in the chicken stock, diced tomatoes, and BBQ sauce into the pan with the vegetables. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
Combine the Pasta and Chicken
Add the cooked pasta and reserved chicken to the pan with the sauce. Toss until everything is coated evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
Add the Finishing Touches
Stir in the grated mozzarella cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

For added flavor, try using smoked or grilled chicken in place of the pan-fried chicken.
Adjust the BBQ sauce amount based on your preferred level of smokiness and tang.
Any medium pasta shape, like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli, works well with this recipe.
For a spicier kick, include a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 950mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 70mg