Can I use frozen pulled pork for this Quick BBQ Pulled Pork Penne Skillet?

Yes, you can absolutely use frozen pulled pork! Just make sure it's fully thawed before adding it to the skillet. You might want to briefly warm it in the microwave or in the skillet before adding the other liquid ingredients to ensure it heats through evenly with the pasta.

What other pasta shapes work well in this Quick BBQ Pulled Pork Penne Skillet?

Any short pasta shape that can hold onto the sauce will work great! Good alternatives to penne include rotini, fusilli, cavatappi, or even medium shells. Just ensure they are suitable for one-pan cooking and adjust cooking time slightly if needed, based on pasta type.

How can I make this Quick BBQ Pulled Pork Penne Skillet spicier?

There are several ways to add heat! You can use a spicy BBQ sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the onion and garlic, or stir in a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end. Diced jalapeu00f1os (fresh or pickled) would also be a great addition for an extra kick.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this Quick BBQ Pulled Pork Penne Skillet dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with a full-fat unsweetened dairy-free milk alternative (like oat or cashew milk) and use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese. The texture might be slightly different but it will still be delicious.

Quick BBQ Pulled Pork Penne Skillet: 5 Easy Steps to Dinner Perfection

Name: Quick BBQ Pulled Pork Penne Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil 1 small yellow onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups cooked pulled pork, shredded; 1.5 cups chicken broth (low sodium) 1 cup wate; 1.5 cups penne pasta, uncooked 1 cup BBQ sauce, plus more for serving (your favorite brand) 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version) 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese Salt and black pepper to taste Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Ingredients

Scale

1 tbsp olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups cooked pulled pork, shredded
1.5 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
1 cup water
1.5 cups penne pasta, uncooked
1 cup BBQ sauce, plus more for serving (your favorite brand)
1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
Step 2: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 3: Stir in the shredded pulled pork, chicken broth, water, uncooked penne pasta, and 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 4: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. If the liquid absorbs too quickly and pasta is still hard, add another 1/4 cup of water or broth.
Step 5: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 6: Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately, with extra BBQ sauce on the side for those who like it extra saucy. Enjoy your Quick BBQ Pulled Pork Penne Skillet!

Notes

For best results, use good quality BBQ sauce you truly enjoy. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dishes & Savory Recipes
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 580 kcal
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 950mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

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