Description
This BBQ Chicken Pasta combines smoky bacon, tender chicken, and a vibrant mix of vegetables in a flavorful BBQ sauce, perfectly tossed with al dente pasta and melted cheese for a comforting, hearty meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 4 strips bacon (cut into small pieces)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (chopped or shredded)
Vegetables
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 1/2 red bell pepper (chopped)
Liquids and Sauces
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 (10 fluid ounce) can Ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chilies (with juices)
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite)
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella/cheddar blend
Others
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
Instructions
- Cook the pasta and bacon. Boil a salted pot of water and cook the pasta al dente according to package directions. Meanwhile, cut bacon into small pieces using kitchen shears and fry over medium-high heat in a skillet until crispy.
- Drain bacon and reserve fat. Remove crispy bacon from the pan and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet for sautéing.
- Sauté onion and red bell pepper. In the remaining bacon grease, sauté the chopped onion over medium heat for about 4 minutes until softened. Add the red bell pepper and cook for an additional few minutes until tender.
- Add liquids and deglaze the pan. Pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Scrape the brown bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate their flavor into the sauce.
- Add chicken, bacon, and BBQ sauce. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the cooked chicken, crispy bacon pieces, and BBQ sauce. Allow the mixture to warm through thoroughly.
- Incorporate cheese and combine with pasta. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese just before serving, or sprinkle on top and cover the pan or put under a broiler briefly to melt. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Toss the cheesy BBQ chicken mixture with the drained pasta and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use your favorite brand of BBQ sauce to customize the flavor.
- For a smoky kick, consider using smoked paprika in the sautéed vegetables.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free pasta.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave to avoid drying out the chicken.