There’s something deeply satisfying about a dish that delivers smoky, creamy, tangy, and savory flavors all in one bite. That’s exactly what this One-Skillet Creamy Smoky BBQ Chicken & Sausage Pasta offers. I created this recipe on a whim one weeknight when I needed something hearty and flavorful, but didn’t want to pile up dishes in the sink. A single skillet, a handful of ingredients, and boom — a weeknight hero was born.

I’ve always loved the combo of chicken and sausage, especially when paired with bold BBQ sauce and a creamy twist. The rotini pasta soaks up every ounce of the sauce, the sausage adds a smoky kick, and the chicken ties everything together with that home-cooked comfort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself with leftovers for days, this recipe checks every box.

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

One-skillet convenience: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
Loaded with bold flavors: Smoky sausage, tender chicken, tangy BBQ, and creamy sauce make for an unforgettable combination.
Hearty & filling: Protein-packed and comforting — perfect for cozy nights or family dinners.
Customizable: Works with a variety of pasta shapes, protein swaps, and BBQ sauce styles.

What Kind of BBQ Sauce Should I Use?

The BBQ sauce you choose sets the tone for this dish. Personally, I love a smoky and slightly sweet BBQ sauce — it brings out the best in both the sausage and chicken, adding depth without overpowering the creamy elements. If you’re a heat-seeker, go with a spicy BBQ sauce to give the pasta a little extra kick. For a more classic touch, a honey or brown sugar-based sauce makes everything smooth and well-balanced.

Whatever you do, avoid overly vinegar-forward BBQ sauces — they can clash with the creaminess of the dish and throw off the flavor harmony. Stick to thick, rich, and robust sauces that can hold their own with the pasta and proteins.

Options for Substitutions

Whether you’re working with dietary restrictions or just want to shake things up, this dish is super flexible:

Pasta: Don’t have rotini? Use penne, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni. Just aim for something that grabs sauce well.
Protein: No chicken on hand? Leftover turkey or pulled pork works. Vegetarian? Go for plant-based sausage and add mushrooms or beans for heartiness.
Cream: You can use heavy cream, half-and-half, or even a blend of milk and cream cheese for a silky texture.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar is amazing here, but Monterey Jack, gouda, or pepper jack all bring their own delicious twist.
BBQ Sauce: Try a mustard-based Carolina sauce for tang, or go with a mesquite-style sauce for extra smokiness.

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

Every ingredient in this dish plays a role in delivering bold, comforting flavor with minimal effort. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

Smoked Sausage
Adds that irresistible smoky depth and a bit of fat that seasons the whole skillet. Sliced rounds also brown beautifully and add a savory bite.
Cooked Chicken (shredded or diced)
Makes the dish extra hearty and fills it out with tender, juicy protein. Rotisserie chicken works great here.
Rotini Pasta
The spiral shape grabs onto every bit of the creamy BBQ sauce, making each bite rich and flavorful.
BBQ Sauce
The soul of the dish — it brings sweetness, tang, and smokiness. Choose your favorite kind based on your flavor mood.
Heavy Cream
Balances out the bold BBQ with rich, velvety creaminess. It turns the sauce into a luscious coating for the pasta.
Chicken Broth
Helps cook the pasta right in the skillet and infuses it with even more flavor while keeping the dish moist.
Shredded Cheese (like cheddar or Monterey Jack)
Melts into the sauce for added creaminess and a touch of gooey goodness.
Olive Oil or Butter
Used to brown the sausage and give everything a silky base.
Garlic (minced)
Brings an aromatic kick that wakes up all the flavors.
Paprika or Smoked Paprika
Optional but adds a beautiful warm color and enhances the smoky flavor.
Salt & Pepper
For seasoning and balance, added to taste.

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced smoked sausage. Cook for 4–5 minutes until nicely browned on both sides. This step not only adds color but helps release all those smoky, savory oils into the pan.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Chicken

Toss in the minced garlic and stir it for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add your cooked, shredded or diced chicken. Stir everything together for another minute so the flavors start to meld.

Step 3: Pour in the Liquids

Add the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the liquids with the meat. This is your flavor-packed sauce base that will simmer everything together.

Step 4: Stir in the Pasta

Add the uncooked rotini pasta directly into the skillet. Stir to coat it in the sauce, then bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente.

Step 5: Finish With Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce is thickened, reduce the heat and sprinkle in your shredded cheese. Stir until it melts into a silky, smoky, cheesy sauce that hugs every bite of pasta.

Step 6: Final Taste and Adjust

Taste your dish and season with salt, pepper, or an extra dash of BBQ sauce or paprika if needed. Then let it sit uncovered for a couple of minutes to thicken just a bit more.

How Long to Cook One-Skillet Creamy Smoky BBQ Chicken & Sausage Pasta

This dish is weeknight gold because it all comes together fast — here’s the timing breakdown:

Sausage browning: 4–5 minutes
Combining and simmering: 2–3 minutes
Pasta cooking (in sauce): 12–15 minutes
Cheese melting and final simmer: 2–3 minutes

Total cook time: Around 20–25 minutes, all in one skillet. It’s just the right amount of time to get dinner on the table without feeling rushed — and you get deep flavor in less time than it takes to order delivery.

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

Use a heavy-bottomed skillet
A good skillet distributes heat evenly and prevents scorching the creamy BBQ sauce as it simmers.
Stir frequently during pasta cooking
This keeps the pasta from sticking to the bottom and ensures it cooks evenly in the sauce.
Go for full-flavored sausage
A smoky or spicy sausage makes all the difference. Look for andouille or kielbasa-style for extra kick.
Keep the lid on
Don’t skip covering the skillet while the pasta cooks. It helps the pasta absorb all the liquid without drying out the sauce.
Don’t overcook the pasta
Al dente is your friend. The sauce will continue thickening as it cools, so keep things saucy while cooking.
Use room-temp cheese
Cold cheese can clump. Let it come to room temp before stirring it in so it melts smoothly.
Adjust creaminess last
If it feels too thick at the end, splash in a little broth or milk to loosen things up. If too thin, just simmer for a few more minutes uncovered.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even with a one-skillet dish this simple, a few missteps can trip you up. Here’s what to watch for:

Using raw chicken: This recipe assumes pre-cooked chicken. Adding raw chicken would throw off the timing and could lead to undercooked meat or overcooked pasta.
Adding too much pasta: More pasta means less liquid to go around — stick to the suggested amount or the sauce will get soaked up too fast and turn dry.
Not stirring enough: Since the pasta cooks in the sauce, it needs gentle movement to prevent clumping or sticking to the skillet.
Cranking up the heat: High heat can cause the cream to separate or burn. Keep things at a gentle simmer for a silky sauce.
Skipping the lid: Covering the skillet helps the pasta cook properly and keeps the sauce from evaporating too fast.
Dumping in cold cheese: Cheese straight from the fridge may clump instead of melting. Let it come to room temp first.
Overseasoning early: Wait until the end to adjust seasoning — the sausage, broth, and BBQ sauce are already salty and flavorful.
Using a thin BBQ sauce: A watery sauce won’t cling to the pasta. Go for one that’s thick and rich to get that creamy coating.

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

A bold, comforting dish like this pairs beautifully with lighter sides and fresh elements to balance the richness. Try one of these:

Simple Green Salad

Crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette help cut through the creamy sauce.

Garlic Bread or Toasted Baguette

Perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce from the bottom of your plate.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

The smoky-sweet corn brings a fun Southern BBQ feel to the table.

Roasted Broccoli or Brussels Sprouts

Add some crunch and greenery — roasted veggies balance the meal beautifully.

Creamy Coleslaw

Cool, creamy slaw is a classic BBQ companion that adds a refreshing contrast.

Baked Mac and Cheese

Because more cheese is never a bad idea if you’re feeding a hungry crowd.

Tomato and Cucumber Salad

A light and juicy side to refresh your palate between bites.

Lemon-Butter Asparagus

A bright, citrusy veggie side that’s quick and elegant.

Storage Instructions

One of the best things about this One-Skillet Creamy Smoky BBQ Chicken & Sausage Pasta is how well it holds up for leftovers — maybe even better the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

Refrigerator:
Let the pasta cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
You can freeze this pasta, though the cream sauce may change texture slightly. For best results, let it cool, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Tips:
Warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to bring back the creamy texture. You can also microwave it, covered, in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

Estimated Nutrition

Note: Nutrition estimates will vary slightly based on the type of sausage, BBQ sauce, and cheese used, but here’s a ballpark based on a hearty serving (1 of 6 servings total):

Calories: ~580 kcal
Protein: 30–35g
Fat: 28–32g
Carbohydrates: 40–45g
Fiber: 2–4g
Sugar: 8–12g (depending on the BBQ sauce)
Sodium: 900–1100mg

This is a protein-packed, filling comfort food meal with big flavor — great after a long day or for feeding a hungry group.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding sauce, penne, fusilli, farfalle, or even elbow macaroni all work beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time slightly based on the shape.

How do I make it spicier?

You can turn up the heat by adding cayenne pepper, using spicy smoked sausage (like andouille), or choosing a hot BBQ sauce. A drizzle of hot sauce at the end also works great.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half, a mix of milk and cream cheese, or even evaporated milk. The goal is to keep things creamy, so choose something with a bit of body.

Can I use uncooked chicken?

Not for this version — the chicken should be pre-cooked to match the timing of the pasta. If you want to start with raw chicken, cook it fully before adding the sausage.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Use a dairy-free cream alternative (like oat or coconut cream), and swap the cheese for a dairy-free shredded blend. Just make sure your BBQ sauce is also dairy-free.

Does this freeze well?

Yes — it freezes nicely for up to 2 months. The texture of the sauce may change slightly, but a good stir while reheating with a bit of broth will bring it back to life.

How do I prevent it from being too salty?

Be mindful of the sausage, broth, and BBQ sauce — all can be high in sodium. Use low-sodium broth if possible and taste before adding extra salt at the end.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely! Diced bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms would all work well here. Add them in with the garlic to let them soften before adding liquids.

Conclusion

This One-Skillet Creamy Smoky BBQ Chicken & Sausage Pasta is more than just a quick dinner — it’s bold, comforting, and bursting with personality. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent without being complicated, and it hits all the right notes: smoky, creamy, tangy, cheesy, and downright crave-worthy.

Whether you’re serving it up for a family meal, a casual gathering, or a personal comfort food fix, this dish brings it all — flavor, texture, ease, and satisfaction. Plus, with only one skillet to clean, it earns a permanent spot in the weeknight dinner hall of fame.