Skillet BBQ Chicken Pasta

This recipe originally caught my eye when it was described as a one pot meal, including the cooking of the pasta.  You are supposed to cook the chicken first in the skillet and then once the chicken is done, take it out and cook the pasta.  I had never cooked pasta in a skillet before (and probably won't again....there was a lot of liquid and I almost had a flood on my stove!).  Next time I'd just cook the pasta separately and then mix with the chicken and other ingredients after.  If you like BBQ sauce then you'll probably enjoy this dish.  It was tasty and different from other pasta dishes I've made in the past.  My son of course wasn't a big fan but my daughter enjoyed this.  As for my husband, well he likes almost everything I make!  From the picture you can see that I didn't garnish with scallions (or any garnish for that matter!).  The kids don't like them and it's just one less thing that they have to pick out!

Skillet BBQ Chicken Pasta
recipe from A Taste of Home Cooking

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size chunks
1 red onion, diced
3 cups water
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
12 ounces penne pasta
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/3 cup sour cream
1/2 cup shredded pepperjack cheese
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Directions:
In a large 12-inch nonstick skillet heat the olive oil over medium heat. When hot, add the chicken and onions and saute, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and onions to a plate and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the water, chicken broth, penne and salt. Bring to a boil and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, until the liquid is almost absorbed, the pasta is tender and the mixture is thick and syrupy. Stir in the barbecue sauce and sour cream. Once mixed, add in the reserved chicken, onions and shredded cheeses. Stir to combine and cook until everything is heated through.

Taste and season with salt and pepper, if needed. Garnish with additional red or green onions and more shredded cheese.

Family Rating: 11/2 thumbs up.