Quick and Delicious One Pot BBQ Chicken Pasta Recipe for Busy Nights

One Pot BBQ Chicken Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner hero. Ready in just 25 minutes, it combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and smoky barbecue flavor all in one pot. No mess, no fuss, and trust me, it’s so good your family will think you ordered it from a restaurant!

I found this recipe when I was desperate for a quick, satisfying meal after a busy day. Traditional BBQ chicken dishes take hours between marinades and grilling, but this one-pot version? You’ll have dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those crazy nights when you’ve got ten things going on but still want a cozy, homemade meal.

Why This One Pot BBQ Chicken Pasta Is a Game-Changer

• Saves time: From chopping to simmering, it’s done in 25 minutes flat.
• Fewer dishes: Everything cooks in one pot—win!
• Flavor-packed: The BBQ sauce soaks into every bite of chicken and pasta.
• Hands-off steps: Simmering the pasta means you can walk away for 10-15 minutes.

It’s the kind of meal that feels like a gift to yourself: minimal effort, maximum reward.

Equipment You’ll Need for This One Pot BBQ Chicken Pasta

You don’t need any fancy tools for this recipe, just the essentials:

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Choose one with a good-fitting lid to lock in the steam while the pasta cooks.
• Sharp knife: For dicing the onion and chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures your BBQ sauce and chicken stock are perfectly portioned.

If you’re shopping for a new pot, I recommend one with a non-stick surface. It makes cleanup a breeze, especially with sticky BBQ sauce involved.

Simple Ingredients for One Pot BBQ Chicken Pasta

What makes this easy BBQ chicken pasta shine is the simplicity of its ingredients. Here are a few key players:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Easy to cook and chop, perfect for soaking up the BBQ sauce.
• Rotini pasta: The spirals hold onto the sauce beautifully, but penne works too if that’s what you have.
• Barbecue sauce: Sweet Baby Ray’s is my go-to, but any thick, sweet BBQ sauce will work.
• Canned diced tomatoes: Adds a tangy layer of flavor and keeps the dish from drying out.

If you’re looking for substitutions, chicken thighs work great in place of breasts, and gluten-free pasta holds up nicely if you need that option.

One Pot BBQ Chicken Pasta Recipe Details

• Servings: 6
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 2-3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2-3)
• Salt, pepper & garlic powder, to taste
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 14.5 ounce can of diced tomatoes
• 2 ½ cups chicken stock
• 3 cups uncooked rotini pasta
• 1 cup barbecue sauce, divided use
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or more, to taste)

Instructions

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add them to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through.
3. Brush 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce over each chicken breast as they finish cooking. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
4. Add diced onions to the pot (with an extra drizzle of oil, if necessary) and cook until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute.
5. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with juices) and chicken stock. Stir to combine, then mix in the uncooked rotini pasta and cooked chicken (chopped into 1-inch chunks).
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to medium. Let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
7. Turn off the heat, stir in 1/4 cup of additional BBQ sauce, and sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top. Cover the pot for a couple of minutes to let the cheese melt. Serve hot!

Jake’s Tips for the Best One Pot BBQ Chicken Pasta

• Pre-chop ingredients: Dice the onion and measure the BBQ sauce ahead of time to streamline cooking.
• Avoid overcooking the chicken: Take it out of the pot as soon as it’s done to prevent rubbery texture.
• Use fresh cheese: Shred a block of cheddar yourself—it melts much better than pre-shredded.
• Add veggies: Stir in frozen peas or corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra flavor and color.
• Storage tips: Save leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of chicken stock to keep it saucy.

Easy One Pot BBQ Chicken Pasta Variations

• Swap proteins: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked shrimp instead of chicken breasts.
• Keto-friendly: Sub the pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
• Spicy kick: Stir in 1 tablespoon of hot sauce with the BBQ sauce for heat lovers.
• Extra veggies: Add chopped bell peppers or spinach to sneak in more nutrients.

One Pot BBQ Chicken Pasta FAQs

What kind of BBQ sauce works best?

Stick with a sweet, smoky BBQ sauce like Sweet Baby Ray’s or Stubbs for the best flavor. If you like it spicier, go for a hot and spicy blend!

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, fusilli, or even small shells will work great. Adjust the simmer time slightly based on the pasta’s cooking instructions.

How can I make this ahead of time?

Pre-cook the chicken and chop it into chunks. Store it in the fridge, then add it to the pot during the last 10 minutes of cooking to reheat.

How do I prevent sticky pasta?

Be sure to stir occasionally while the pasta simmers to keep it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Can I freeze leftovers?

This dish freezes well! Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-friendly container for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stove with a splash of chicken stock to loosen the sauce.

Ready to give this One Pot BBQ Chicken Pasta a try? Let me know your favorite weeknight dinner hacks in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you make busy nights easier!