Go Back
Sticky Sweet BBQ Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta in a skillet

Sticky Sweet BBQ Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Skillet

A robust dish packed with flavor, combining tender chicken, zesty Cajun seasoning, and rich BBQ sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pieces Chicken breasts, diced Can substitute with thighs for more flavor.
  • 8 oz Pasta (e.g., fusilli or penne) Choose your favorite shape.
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce Use your favorite brand for best results.
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Can be adjusted for spice preference.
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced More garlic can be added for stronger flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Substitute with olive oil if desired.
  • 1 cup Heavy cream Can use half-and-half for lower calories.
  • Salt and pepper Essential for flavor enhancement.
  • Chopped parsley For garnish, add some for fresh flavor.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
Preparing the Dish
  1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add diced chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and Cajun seasoning, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
  4. Add BBQ sauce and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine.
  5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the cooked pasta, mixing until well coated.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For an extra kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the mix. Consider marinating your chicken in BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking to enhance the flavor. Adjust the amount of heavy cream to control the richness of the dish to your preference. Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor; pre-minced garlic can lack the same potency. Garnish generously with parsley for added freshness.