Smoky, cheesy and utterly delicious, this BBQ Chicken Pasta is the perfect comfort food for a busy weeknight. It has tender chicken bits and crispy pancetta in a super flavorful BBQ tomato sauce, plus melty mozzarella for the ultimate finish touch.
1lb(450g)chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
1teaspoonsmoked paprika
½teaspoongarlic powder
½teaspoononion granules
½teaspoondried oregano
½teaspoonsalt
¼teaspoonground black pepper
For the sauce
2tablespoonsolive oil
5oz(150g)smoked pancetta cubes
1medium onion, finely diced
1medium red bell pepper, sliced
2large garlic cloves, finely chopped
½cup(125ml)chicken stock
1cup(150g)diced tomatoes
¼cup(75g)BBQ sauce
10oz(300g)pasta
½cup(50g)mozzarella, grated
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve 1-2 cups of pasta water before draining.
10 oz pasta
Toss the diced chicken with the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion granules, oregano, salt, and pepper.
1 lb chicken breast
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion granules
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan. Cook the chicken over medium-high heat until it's golden brown and cooked through. Set it aside on a plate.
2 tablespoons olive oil
Add the remaining olive oil in the same pan and sauté the pancetta until crispy.
5 oz smoked pancetta cubes
Next, add the onion and red bell pepper and cook for about 5 minutes until they soften. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
1 medium onion
1 medium red bell pepper
2 large garlic cloves
Pour in the chicken stock, diced tomatoes, and BBQ sauce. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
½ cup chicken stock
1 cup diced tomatoes
¼ cup BBQ sauce
Add the drained pasta and cooked chicken to the sauce. Toss everything to coat well. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Stir in the mozzarella, then season to taste and serve immediately.