Name: One-Skillet Smoky Cajun BBQ Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes); 2 tsp Cajun seasoning; 1 tbsp olive oil; 8 oz fettuccine or tagliatelle pasta; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional); 1/2 cup BBQ sauce; 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes; 1/2 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water; 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional); 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tbsp fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish); Sliced bell peppers, mushrooms; Grated Parmesan cheese

This fiery, flavor-packed One-Skillet Smoky Cajun BBQ Chicken Pasta is everything you crave in a comforting dinner—bold spices, juicy chicken, rich sauce, and pasta that soaks it all up. The tender chicken is seasoned with a smoky Cajun rub, seared to perfection, then tossed with fettuccine noodles in a silky, tangy BBQ-infused tomato sauce. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but comes together fast in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

Each bite delivers an irresistible combo of sweet, smoky, spicy, and savory, wrapped up in a creamy, slightly sticky sauce that clings beautifully to the noodles. It’s the perfect dish for those who love Southern flavors with a modern twist—rich enough to feel like comfort food, yet quick enough for a weeknight win.

Why You’ll Love This One-Skillet Smoky Cajun BBQ Chicken Pasta

Only one skillet needed – Less cleanup, more flavor-building in one pan.
Packed with bold Cajun flavors – Smoky paprika, garlic, onion, and a little heat from cayenne.
BBQ twist adds depth – A sweet and tangy BBQ sauce turns up the volume on taste.
Perfectly creamy & saucy – Coats every ribbon of pasta and every bite of chicken.
Ready in under 30 minutes – Ideal for busy nights without sacrificing flavor.
Customizable heat level – Dial up or down the spice to suit your taste.
Family-friendly & crowd-pleasing – This dish is a guaranteed hit at the table.
Leftovers taste even better – The flavors deepen after a day in the fridge.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment, and Why They Matter

To make this One-Skillet Smoky Cajun BBQ Chicken Pasta effortless and smooth, having the right tools on hand is key:

Large Nonstick Skillet or Cast Iron Pan: Crucial for even searing the chicken and for building layers of flavor without anything sticking. A 12-inch skillet works perfectly for this one-pan wonder.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: For dicing the chicken into uniform chunks and slicing fresh herbs if using. Clean cuts mean even cooking.
Cutting Board: Use a sturdy board for prepping your ingredients. Consider a separate one for raw meat for food safety.
Tongs or Silicone Spatula: Helpful for flipping and stirring without breaking the pasta or overworking the chicken.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision matters for getting the right spice and BBQ sauce balance.
Colander: To drain the pasta efficiently while keeping it al dente.
Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring the sauce without scratching your skillet.

These tools help you cook faster, safer, and more efficiently—all while maximizing flavor.

Preparation Tips

Cut Chicken Evenly: Aim for 1-inch cubes so everything cooks at the same rate and remains juicy.
Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the Cajun seasoning—this dish thrives on boldness.
Prep Ingredients First: Have everything chopped, measured, and ready. Once the skillet is hot, things move quickly.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook it just shy of al dente since it’ll simmer a bit more in the sauce.
Deglaze if Needed: If bits stick to the pan after cooking the chicken, a splash of broth or water will lift all that flavor into your sauce.
Balance the Sauce: If your BBQ sauce is very sweet, add a touch of vinegar or lemon juice to brighten it up.

Ingredients for One-Skillet Smoky Cajun BBQ Chicken Pasta

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this deliciously smoky, spicy, and saucy pasta dish. The ingredients are simple but come together to deliver huge flavor:

For the Chicken and Pasta:

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing the chicken)
8 oz fettuccine or tagliatelle pasta (or any ribbon-style pasta)
Salt and black pepper (to taste)

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
½ cup BBQ sauce (choose one with a smoky-sweet profile)
1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
½ cup chicken broth (or pasta water, reserved)
¼ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (adds depth)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins:

Sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms (for added texture and color)
Grated Parmesan (sprinkled over the top before serving)

Tip: Use a BBQ sauce you genuinely love—the flavor shines through in the final dish!

Step-by-Step Instructions for One-Skillet Smoky Cajun BBQ Chicken Pasta

This dish is surprisingly easy to put together. Just follow these steps and you’ll have a rich, flavorful pasta dish on the table in no time.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine until just al dente (usually 1–2 minutes less than the package says).
Drain and reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water or swap with chicken broth. Set aside.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

In a bowl, toss the diced chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5–6 minutes, until browned and fully cooked.
Remove chicken and set aside—keep any browned bits in the skillet for extra flavor.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

Lower the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet.
Once melted, stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and chili flakes.
Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4: Add BBQ & Tomato Goodness

Pour in the BBQ sauce, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and chicken broth (or reserved pasta water).
Stir well to combine all the ingredients into a cohesive sauce.
Let it simmer gently for 4–5 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen.

Step 5: Add Pasta and Chicken Back In

Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, folding it in so every strand is coated.
Return the chicken to the skillet and mix it through the pasta.
If using, pour in the heavy cream now to create a creamy finish.
Let everything simmer for another 2–3 minutes, just until warmed through and glossy.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top.
Serve hot, straight from the skillet for that rustic, hearty vibe.
Optionally, grate some Parmesan over it for a final savory touch.

Notes

Homemade Cajun Seasoning Tip: Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to make your own blend. Great for adjusting the heat level.
Pasta Swap: Fettuccine works beautifully, but you can substitute with linguine, penne, or rotini—anything that holds sauce well.
Creamy or Not?: The heavy cream is optional but adds a luxurious texture. If you prefer a tangier sauce, leave it out or substitute with a splash of milk.
Protein Variety: Swap chicken for shrimp or sausage for a twist, or make it vegetarian by adding mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant.
Make It Smokier: Add a drop or two of liquid smoke or use a chipotle BBQ sauce for deeper smokiness.
Double the Batch: This recipe easily doubles and stores well, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcooking the Chicken: Searing on high heat locks in moisture. If overcooked, it can turn dry and chewy.
Using Sweet BBQ Sauce Only: A BBQ sauce that’s overly sweet will overpower the dish. Aim for a balance between sweet, tangy, and smoky.
Skipping the Pasta Water or Broth: This adds body and helps emulsify the sauce, making it cling better to the pasta.
Not Seasoning Enough: Always taste as you go. Cajun seasoning varies in saltiness and heat, so adjust accordingly.
Adding Cream Too Early: Add it at the end to prevent curdling and preserve its smooth texture.
Letting the Pasta Sit Too Long: Once mixed with the sauce, serve it promptly. Sitting too long can make it soggy or dry.
Overcrowding the Skillet: If your pan is small, cook the chicken in batches to keep it from steaming instead of searing.
Not Resting the Chicken: Let it rest a few minutes after searing before slicing or mixing into the sauce for juicier results.

What to Serve With One-Skillet Smoky Cajun BBQ Chicken Pasta?

This bold, spicy, and saucy pasta deserves sides that either complement the heat or offer some cooling contrast. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just elevating your weeknight dinner, these pairings bring extra texture, freshness, and flavor to the table.

8 Recommendations

Garlic Bread with a Twist
Think Cajun garlic bread—add a dash of Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika to your garlic butter for a flavor match made in heaven.
Cool Creamy Coleslaw
The crunch and creaminess of coleslaw help cool your palate and offer a tangy contrast to the rich pasta sauce.
Roasted Corn on the Cob
Brush with butter, sprinkle with chili-lime seasoning or Cajun spices, and roast or grill until slightly charred.
Simple Green Salad
A light salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a lemony vinaigrette balances the bold, smoky flavors with freshness.
Grilled Asparagus or Broccolini
These veggies add crunch and charred notes that play beautifully with the smokiness of the dish.
Southern-Style Cornbread Muffins
Sweet, crumbly cornbread offers a delicious textural contrast and helps soak up any leftover sauce.
Pickled Vegetables
Tangy pickles or pickled red onions cut through the richness and add an exciting bite.
Crispy Oven Potatoes
Roasted with rosemary or Cajun spices, these add crunch and heartiness without overwhelming the main dish.

Storage Instructions

This One-Skillet Smoky Cajun BBQ Chicken Pasta holds up surprisingly well, making it a great choice for leftovers or meal prep.

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
The flavors continue to deepen, and the sauce becomes even more delicious the next day.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Freezing

Freezing is possible, but not ideal if you’ve added cream—it may split upon reheating.
If you plan to freeze it, leave out the cream and add it fresh when reheating.
Store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 4 servings)

Please note: Nutrition can vary depending on the brand of BBQ sauce and cream used.

Calories: ~520 kcal
Protein: 34g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Sugars: 8g
Fiber: 3g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 780mg

This dish is protein-rich and satisfying, with moderate carbs and a flavorful fat profile—perfect for those who love comfort food with bold flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the chicken and the sauce a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, then cook the pasta fresh and combine when ready to serve for best texture.

2. What type of BBQ sauce works best?

Look for a smoky and slightly tangy BBQ sauce—not overly sweet. A chipotle or mesquite BBQ flavor pairs exceptionally well with the Cajun spices.

3. Is this dish spicy?

It has a gentle kick thanks to Cajun seasoning and chili flakes, but it’s not overpowering. You can easily control the heat by reducing the cayenne or skipping the chili flakes altogether.

4. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely. Leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken works great. Just add it in Step 5 with the pasta and simmer it in the sauce to absorb flavor.

5. What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half, whole milk, or leave it out completely for a lighter, more tomato-forward sauce.

6. Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes—just skip the butter and cream, or use dairy-free alternatives. The dish will still be rich and flavorful thanks to the BBQ and tomato base.

7. Is it gluten-free?

Not as-is, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring your BBQ sauce is gluten-free.

8. What protein substitutes can I use?

This recipe is versatile—try shrimp, Andouille sausage, tofu, or jackfruit for different protein options while keeping that smoky Cajun vibe.

Conclusion

One-Skillet Smoky Cajun BBQ Chicken Pasta is the kind of meal that makes dinner feel like an event. It’s bold, comforting, and easy to whip up in under 30 minutes with ingredients you likely already have. Whether you’re craving something spicy, creamy, or just want a one-pan wonder to save on dishes, this pasta hits the sweet spot every time.

From weeknights to weekends, family dinners to solo feasts, this dish delivers the flavor and satisfaction you’re looking for—and then some.