BBQ Chicken Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty pasta dish with smoky BBQ chicken, collard greens, and cornbread crumbles. This southern-inspired pasta ready in about 75 minutes pairs pasta, chicken thighs, BBQ sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 45 min Serves 6 Southern cuisine 500 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Toss 2 lbs chicken thighs with 1/2 cup BBQ sauce and 1 tsp hot sauce. Place in a baking dish and roast for 30-35 minutes until fully cooked.
  2. Step 2: While the chicken roasts, sauté 2 tbsp cottonseed oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 small diced red onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 head chopped collard greens and cook for 5-6 minutes until wilted. Stir in 1/2 cup cornbread crumbles and 1/4 cup water. Cook for 2 minutes until the greens are tender.
  4. Step 4: Toss the cooked pasta with the collard greens mixture and 1/2 cup BBQ sauce. Serve warm, garnished with additional hot sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does BBQ Chicken Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (30 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover BBQ Chicken Pasta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in BBQ Chicken Pasta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale BBQ Chicken Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with BBQ Chicken Pasta?

Southern pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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