Description
One-Skillet Creamy Smoky BBQ Chicken & Sausage Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, smoky sausage, and a rich, creamy BBQ sauce for a meal that’s packed with flavor and easy to make. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying weekend dinner, all made in one skillet for minimal cleanup. With a balance of smoky, creamy, and just a touch of spice, this pasta is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 3 cups rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup smoky BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes (for heat lovers)
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken and Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides (about 4-5 minutes). Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, add sausage slices and sear until golden brown, then remove and set aside with the chicken.
- Build the Flavor Base
Reduce heat to medium, add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet, and stir for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
- Simmer the Pasta
Pour in chicken broth and BBQ sauce, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the pan. Bring to a boil, add rotini pasta, and stir. Cover and reduce heat to simmer, cooking for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Make it Creamy and Bring It All Together
Stir in the heavy cream and butter. Return chicken and sausage to the skillet, tossing everything to coat in the creamy sauce. Let simmer uncovered for another 2-3 minutes.
- Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes