Get ready to experience bold flavors and ultimate comfort in a single skillet. This One-Pot Spicy BBQ Chicken Cheeseburger Pasta brings together the smoky richness of barbecue sauce, the creamy indulgence of melted cheese, and the savory punch of seasoned chicken. All this goodness wraps around tender macaroni in a zesty, cheesy sauce that hits every satisfying note.

This dish is more than just a weeknight dinner—it’s a flavor-packed, no-fuss recipe that combines all the elements of your favorite cookout into one bubbling pot. Imagine spicy shredded chicken, tangy BBQ, gooey cheese, and pasta all tossed together for a meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to whip up.

Ingredients for One-Pot Spicy BBQ Chicken Cheeseburger Pasta

2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra stretch)
1 cup milk
½ cup heavy cream
¾ cup barbecue sauce (preferably spicy-style)
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups chicken broth (or water with bouillon)
Optional garnish: chopped scallions, crushed red pepper flakes

Step-by-Step Instructions for One-Pot Spicy BBQ Chicken Cheeseburger Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent and slightly golden, about 3–4 minutes. This step builds the base of flavor and softens the onions for a mellow sweetness.

Step 2: Add the Chicken and Seasonings

Stir in the shredded or chopped cooked chicken. Sprinkle in smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the chicken and let it heat through for 2–3 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom.

Step 3: Pour in the Liquids

Add the chicken broth, milk, heavy cream, and barbecue sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add the uncooked elbow macaroni straight into the pot. Stir everything together, ensuring the pasta is submerged. Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta should be al dente and the liquid mostly absorbed.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. The sauce will become creamy and luxuriously cheesy at this point.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. For extra heat, sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Garnish with chopped scallions for a fresh pop of color and bite.

Serve hot and enjoy every bold, cheesy, spicy bite!

Storage Instructions

To keep your One-Pot Spicy BBQ Chicken Cheeseburger Pasta fresh and delicious:

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Let the dish cool to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating.
Freezer: For longer storage, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – approx. 1.5 cups)

Calories: ~540 kcal
Protein: 32g
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 680mg
Calcium: 210mg

Note: Values are approximate and can vary based on ingredients and portion size.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground chicken instead of shredded chicken?

Yes! Ground chicken works great—just cook it fully with the onions before adding the liquids and pasta.

What type of BBQ sauce works best?

A smoky or spicy BBQ sauce adds the most depth. Avoid overly sweet varieties unless balanced with extra spice.

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

Absolutely. It’s a great make-ahead meal. Just reheat with a splash of liquid to maintain the creamy texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Only if you use certified gluten-free pasta and double-check your BBQ sauce and broth labels.

How do I make it spicier?

Add extra cayenne, red pepper flakes, or even chopped jalapeños while cooking for an extra kick.

Can I substitute the cheese?

Yes, feel free to swap cheddar for pepper jack, gouda, or a smoky provolone for a twist.

What veggies go well in this?

Bell peppers, corn, or spinach mix in well without overwhelming the flavor profile.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Certainly—skip the chicken and add black beans or a plant-based meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead.

One-Pot Spicy BBQ Chicken Cheeseburger Pasta

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4–6

Print Recipe

Description

This One-Pot Spicy BBQ Chicken Cheeseburger Pasta is the ultimate comfort food mash-up. With tender elbow macaroni, juicy seasoned chicken, bold BBQ flavor, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, every bite is a satisfying blend of heat, smoke, and indulgence. Perfect for quick weeknight meals with minimal cleanup.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onions for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
Add cooked chicken and season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Pour in chicken broth, milk, heavy cream, and BBQ sauce. Stir to combine.
Add uncooked elbow macaroni. Mix and bring to a gentle simmer.
Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth.
Adjust seasoning as needed and garnish if desired. Serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: One-Pot Pasta