This hearty One-Skillet Creamy Smoky BBQ Chicken & Sausage Pasta is the definition of comfort food with a bold twist. Tender pieces of seasoned chicken and juicy smoked sausage are seared to perfection, then tossed with al dente rotini pasta in a luscious, smoky BBQ cream sauce. Every forkful brings a balance of creamy richness, sweet and smoky barbecue flavors, and a gentle kick of spice, making it irresistible for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals.

The best part? It’s all made in one skillet, meaning minimal cleanup with maximum flavor! Whether you’re craving a satisfying dinner after a long day or impressing friends and family at your next gathering, this pasta delivers big taste with little fuss. With its rich aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture, it’s the kind of meal that will have everyone going back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This One-Skillet Creamy Smoky BBQ Chicken & Sausage Pasta

One-pan convenience: Fewer dishes to wash and more time to enjoy!
Smoky, creamy perfection: The combo of BBQ sauce and cream sauce creates a flavor explosion.
Hearty and satisfying: Loaded with protein and pasta for a full, filling meal.
Quick and easy: Perfect for busy weeknights — ready in under 40 minutes.
Customizable: Swap the sausage, adjust the spice, or add veggies to suit your mood.
Crowd-pleaser: A guaranteed hit for family dinners or casual parties.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use for One-Skillet Creamy Smoky BBQ Chicken & Sausage Pasta

Getting ready to make this delicious pasta dish is almost as satisfying as eating it! Here’s what you’ll need to make the magic happen:

Essential Tools and Equipment:

Large Deep Skillet or Sauté Pan: A deep, wide skillet is essential since everything — from browning the meats to simmering the sauce and pasta — happens in one place. A heavy-bottomed pan helps distribute heat evenly.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: For efficiently slicing the chicken breasts and sausage into uniform pieces, ensuring even cooking.
Cutting Board: Preferably two — one for raw meats and one for other ingredients, to avoid cross-contamination.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your skillet, especially if you’re using a non-stick surface.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To get the sauce perfectly creamy and smoky, accurate measurements of BBQ sauce, cream, and seasonings are key.
Tongs: Ideal for flipping the meats and tossing the pasta in the creamy sauce without making a mess.
Colander (optional if pre-cooking pasta separately): Useful if you opt to par-cook pasta before adding it into the skillet.

Each tool plays a crucial role in keeping the process seamless and the final dish perfectly executed!

Preparation Tips for One-Skillet Creamy Smoky BBQ Chicken & Sausage Pasta

Prep All Ingredients First: Slice the chicken and sausage, measure out the sauces and spices, and have everything within reach before you start cooking. It makes the process smoother.
Pat the Chicken Dry: Before seasoning, pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This ensures they sear nicely instead of steaming in the skillet.
Brown the Sausage Well: Let the sausage slices sit undisturbed for a couple of minutes when they hit the pan — you’ll get those irresistible golden-brown edges that add so much flavor.
Cook Pasta Al Dente: If pre-boiling, undercook the pasta slightly, as it will continue cooking while simmering in the sauce.
Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick as it simmers, splash in a bit of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up.
Layer Flavors Gradually: Build the flavor step-by-step: sear meat, sauté aromatics, deglaze, then bring everything together with the sauce and pasta for the best taste.

Ingredients for One-Skillet Creamy Smoky BBQ Chicken & Sausage Pasta

Gather these fresh, flavor-packed ingredients to create your creamy, smoky masterpiece:

2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds (like Andouille or Kielbasa)
3 cups rotini pasta, uncooked
2 ½ cups chicken broth
¾ cup heavy cream
½ cup smoky BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for extra depth)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon butter (to finish the sauce)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes (for heat lovers)

One Skillet Creamy Smoky BBQ Chicken Sausage Pasta 1

Step 1: Sear the Chicken and Sausage

Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through (about 4–5 minutes).
Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the sausage slices and sear until they are beautifully caramelized and golden brown. Remove and set aside with the chicken.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Reduce the heat slightly.
In the same skillet, without cleaning it (hello, extra flavor!), add a tiny bit more oil if needed.
Stir in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Let the spices bloom for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

Step 3: Simmer the Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth and BBQ sauce, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Add the uncooked rotini pasta, stirring to coat the noodles.
Cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for about 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Make it Creamy and Bring It All Together

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and butter.
Return the seared chicken and sausage to the skillet along with any juices they released.
Toss everything together until the pasta is luxuriously coated in the creamy, smoky BBQ sauce.
Simmer uncovered for another 2–3 minutes to let everything meld.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary — maybe an extra sprinkle of salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you want a little more kick.
Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley.
Serve immediately and watch it disappear!

Notes for One-Skillet Creamy Smoky BBQ Chicken & Sausage Pasta

Choose the Right Sausage: A smoky sausage like Andouille gives the best flavor punch, but feel free to use a milder or spicier sausage depending on your preference.
Use a Good BBQ Sauce: Pick a BBQ sauce you love — its flavor will really shine through. A smoky or slightly sweet sauce works best with the creamy elements.
Fresh vs. Dried Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a fresh finish, but dried parsley can be used in a pinch if fresh isn’t available.
Extra Creamy?: Add an extra splash of cream at the end if you like your pasta sauce super rich and velvety.
Spice Levels: Customize the heat easily — add red pepper flakes, or even a dash of hot sauce if you want to kick things up.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcooking the Pasta: Remember, the pasta continues cooking as it simmers with the sauce, so check it early to avoid mushiness.
Burning the Spices: Once you add spices to the oil, stir quickly and keep the heat moderate; burnt spices can turn bitter and ruin the sauce.
Adding Cream Too Soon: Wait until the pasta is nearly cooked before adding cream to prevent it from separating or curdling in the sauce.
Skipping the Browning Step: Properly browning the chicken and sausage builds essential deep flavor — don’t rush it!
Neglecting to Stir Occasionally: Especially once the pasta is simmering, stir every few minutes to prevent sticking at the bottom.
Not Seasoning as You Go: Taste as you build the sauce — layering flavors gradually ensures a more balanced and tasty final dish.
Using Low-Fat Cream or Milk: This can cause the sauce to break. Stick to heavy cream for that silky, indulgent texture.
Crowding the Pan: If your pan is too small, the meats will steam instead of sear — use a big skillet for the best results.

What to Serve With One-Skillet Creamy Smoky BBQ Chicken & Sausage Pasta?

This rich, smoky pasta dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. You can easily build a full meal around it depending on your mood — whether you want something fresh, cheesy, crunchy, or comforting.

8 Tasty Recommendations:

1. Garlic Bread

Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that smoky, creamy sauce.

2. Simple Green Salad

A crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta beautifully.

3. Grilled Vegetables

Charred zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus bring a smoky, slightly sweet touch that mirrors the BBQ flavors in the dish.

4. Roasted Broccoli

Toss broccoli florets in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until crispy — a healthy, flavorful contrast.

5. Coleslaw

A tangy, crunchy slaw adds refreshing texture and cuts through the creamy sauce for a nice palate cleanser.

6. Cornbread Muffins

Soft, buttery cornbread muffins with a hint of sweetness pair deliciously with the smoky sausage and BBQ sauce.

7. Sautéed Green Beans

Quickly sautéed with a little garlic and lemon zest, green beans offer a fresh, bright side to balance the richness.

8. Creamed Spinach

For an extra indulgent pairing, creamy spinach harmonizes wonderfully with the BBQ flavors and keeps the theme cozy and hearty.

Storage Instructions for One-Skillet Creamy Smoky BBQ Chicken & Sausage Pasta

This dish is great for meal prepping, and it stores well if you want to save some for later. Here’s how to properly store and reheat:

Refrigeration: Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: While creamy pasta dishes can sometimes lose their texture when frozen, this dish holds up relatively well. To freeze, place it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, ensuring there’s as little air as possible. It will keep for about 2–3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, either warm it in the microwave (covered) or on the stove over low heat. If it seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to bring back the creamy consistency.

Estimated Nutrition for One-Skillet Creamy Smoky BBQ Chicken & Sausage Pasta

This creamy, hearty dish is indulgent, but you can still enjoy it in moderation. Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutrition per serving (based on 4 servings):

Calories: ~650-700 kcal
Protein: ~40g
Carbohydrates: ~60g
Fat: ~30g
Fiber: ~3g
Sugar: ~9g (from BBQ sauce and cream)
Sodium: ~800mg (dependent on the sausage and BBQ sauce used)

Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the exact brands and ingredients you use, but they offer a great ballpark for tracking your intake.

Frequently Asked Questions about One-Skillet Creamy Smoky BBQ Chicken & Sausage Pasta

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Feel free to swap out rotini for other pasta shapes like penne, farfalle, or fusilli. Just ensure you cook it according to the package instructions if you’re cooking it separately.

2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta, and check the labels on your BBQ sauce and sausage to ensure they’re gluten-free.

3. Can I substitute the sausage?

Yes, you can. If you prefer, you can use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even skip the sausage entirely and add extra chicken for a leaner version.

4. How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add more heat, consider adding a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. You could also swap the smoked sausage for a spicy variety.

5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Add veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or even corn to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking for a burst of color and flavor.

6. Can I make this in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the dish up to the point where you add the cream and pasta. Then, store it in the fridge for 1–2 days. When you’re ready to serve, finish the dish by adding the cream and cooking the pasta.

7. What can I substitute for heavy cream?

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind that the sauce will be less rich and creamy. If you’re dairy-free, try using coconut cream or a non-dairy milk like oat milk with a little cornstarch to thicken.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled. Just make sure you have a large enough skillet or divide it into two pans to maintain the proper cooking temperature.

Conclusion

One-Skillet Creamy Smoky BBQ Chicken & Sausage Pasta is everything you want in a comfort food meal: rich, flavorful, satisfying, and easy to make. This dish offers the perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and savory flavors, with just the right amount of heat to keep it exciting. Plus, the one-pan cooking method makes cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal for two, this recipe is a total winner.

So, next time you’re craving a hearty meal that’s both quick and full of flavor, reach for this recipe — you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!