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### Key Ingredients for One-Skillet Creamy Smoky BBQ Chicken & Sausage Pasta
To make this dish, you’ll need a handful of ingredients that are likely already in your pantry or fridge. The best part? These ingredients come together quickly to create a dish bursting with flavor.
#### **1. Chicken**
Chicken breasts or thighs are both great options for this recipe. Chicken breasts are leaner, while thighs are juicier and more flavorful due to their higher fat content. For this dish, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are often preferred because they cook quickly and are easy to slice into bite-sized pieces, which works perfectly with the sausage and pasta.
#### **2. Sausage**
For the sausage component, you can opt for either spicy sausage (such as andouille) or a milder variety (like Italian sausage). Sausage adds a savory richness that pairs wonderfully with the creamy and smoky BBQ sauce. If you prefer a healthier option, you could use turkey sausage, or even substitute with plant-based sausage for a vegetarian twist.
#### **3. Pasta**
Any type of pasta can be used for this recipe, but short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle are ideal because they hold sauce well. The choice of pasta is up to you, but a sturdy pasta that can stand up to the creamy sauce will work best. Gluten-free pasta can also be used for those with dietary restrictions.
#### **4. BBQ Sauce**
BBQ sauce is the star ingredient in this dish, providing a smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor that coats both the chicken and sausage. The type of BBQ sauce you use will greatly influence the flavor profile of the dish. A smoky BBQ sauce works well to enhance the dish’s flavor, but you can experiment with different variations based on your personal preferences. For an added kick, consider using a spicy BBQ sauce or adding a bit of hot sauce to balance out the richness of the cream.
#### **5. Heavy Cream**
Heavy cream is what gives this dish its creamy, indulgent texture. It smooths out the tangy BBQ sauce and helps bind all the ingredients together. The cream adds a luxurious finish, ensuring that the pasta is coated in a rich, velvety sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a milk alternative, but keep in mind that the sauce will be less rich.
#### **6. Cheese**
Cheese adds both flavor and creaminess to the dish. A good melting cheese, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda, is ideal. The cheese will help thicken the sauce and contribute to the overall creamy texture. You can also use a bit of Parmesan cheese for added depth and umami.
#### **7. Garlic and Onion**
Garlic and onion are essential for building flavor from the very beginning of the cooking process. Sautéing them in a bit of olive oil or butter creates a fragrant base for the dish and helps infuse the sauce with savory notes.
#### **8. Olive Oil**
Olive oil is the go-to fat for sautéing the chicken, sausage, and aromatics. It’s a healthy, flavorful oil that enhances the overall dish without overpowering it. You can also use butter for a richer flavor.
#### **9. Seasonings and Herbs**
To season the dish, a mix of salt, pepper, and smoked paprika helps enhance the smoky flavor of the BBQ sauce. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can be used as a garnish for a fresh, herbaceous note. You can also add red pepper flakes for some heat, depending on your preferences.
### Optional Add-Ins and Customizations
While the ingredients listed above form the core of the recipe, there’s plenty of room for customization based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to mix things up:
– **Vegetables**: Add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, zucchini, or corn to the dish for extra color, texture, and nutrition. Sauté them along with the garlic and onion for maximum flavor.
– **Beans**: For an added protein boost, consider adding a can of drained and rinsed black beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas to the dish.
– **Smoky Bacon**: For an extra layer of smokiness and richness, crisp up some bacon and crumble it into the dish before serving.
– **Lighter Version**: Use lighter cream options like light cream cheese or almond milk in place of heavy cream to reduce the richness of the dish without compromising flavor.
### How to Make One-Skillet Creamy Smoky BBQ Chicken & Sausage Pasta
Now that we have an understanding of the ingredients, let’s break down the steps for making this easy and flavorful one-skillet pasta dish. This recipe is designed to be cooked in a single skillet, ensuring minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
#### **Step 1: Cook the Chicken and Sausage**
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breast pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Be sure to season the chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika for extra flavor. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Next, add the sausage to the skillet. If you’re using sausage links, make sure to remove the casing and crumble the sausage into bite-sized pieces. Cook the sausage for about 5 minutes until it’s fully browned and crispy, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside with the chicken.
#### **Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics**
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for about 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent. This will create a flavorful base for the dish.
#### **Step 3: Add the Pasta**
Next, add the uncooked pasta to the skillet, along with enough water or chicken broth to cover the pasta. Bring the liquid to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally. Make sure the pasta is al dente, as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
#### **Step 4: Prepare the Creamy BBQ Sauce**
While the pasta is cooking, in a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and heavy cream. Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat and pour in the creamy BBQ sauce mixture. Stir to coat the pasta, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
#### **Step 5: Combine the Chicken, Sausage, and Cheese**
Add the cooked chicken and sausage back into the skillet, along with the shredded cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and the ingredients are well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or smoked paprika as needed.
#### **Step 6: Garnish and Serve**
Once everything is well-mixed and the sauce is creamy and smooth, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley or basil. You can also sprinkle extra cheese on top for added richness.
Serve the One-Skillet Creamy Smoky BBQ Chicken & Sausage Pasta hot, and enjoy!
### Tips for the Perfect One-Skillet Creamy Smoky BBQ Chicken & Sausage Pasta
1. **Don’t Overcook the Chicken**: Since the chicken will be cooked further in the sauce, make sure not to overcook it in the initial step. You want it juicy and tender, not dry.
2. **Use a Large Skillet**: This dish requires ample space to accommodate both the pasta and sauce, so be sure to use a large skillet or sauté pan. A 12-inch skillet works perfectly.
3. **Add the Cream Gradually**: If you prefer a thicker or thinner sauce, adjust the amount of cream accordingly. Start with the smaller amount and add more as needed.
4. **Customize the Smokiness**: Adjust the level of smokiness by using a smoky BBQ sauce or adding extra smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
5. **Save Some Pasta Water**: Don’t drain all of the pasta water before adding it to the sauce. The starchy water helps thicken the sauce and bind everything together.
### Nutritional Information
This dish is packed with protein from the chicken and sausage, and the creamy sauce adds richness and indulgence. Here’s a general nutritional breakdown per serving, assuming the recipe serves 4:
– **Calories**:
550-650 (depending on portion size and ingredient choices)
– **Protein**: 35-40g
– **Carbohydrates**: 45-50g
– **Fat**: 30-35g (this includes healthy fats from the sausage and olive oil)
– **Fiber**: 3-5g
– **Sodium**: 800-1000mg (depending on the type of BBQ sauce used)
### Conclusion
**One-Skillet Creamy Smoky BBQ Chicken & Sausage Pasta** is the perfect dish for those who want a flavorful, hearty meal that’s easy to prepare and clean up after. The smoky BBQ sauce, creamy texture, and combination of chicken and sausage make this pasta dish an indulgent yet balanced choice for a family dinner or dinner party.
With the ability to customize ingredients, adjust seasonings, and add your favorite vegetables or garnishes, this recipe is versatile and adaptable to various tastes. So, grab a skillet and start cooking—this one-skillet pasta dish is sure to become a go-to comfort food that satisfies everyone at the table.
