Easy Pantry RV Tomato Tuna Pasta Skillet with Smoky Grilled Chicken

Transform simple pantry staples into a hearty, flavor-packed meal with this Easy Pantry RV Tomato Tuna Pasta Skillet. This one-pan wonder is the ultimate solution for busy camping days when you need something warm, filling, and delicious without a trip to the store. Canned tuna, pantry-friendly pasta, and crushed tomatoes come together in a rich, savory sauce that tastes like it simmered all day. But the real magic happens when we add a protein boost with juicy, grilled chicken that brings that irresistible smoky flavor to the party. Adding grilled chicken to this pasta skillet elevates it from a simple pantry meal to a restaurant-quality dish. The chicken is cooked on a gas grill or charcoal grill until it’s perfectly charred on the outside and tender on the inside. The high heat creates beautiful grill marks while infusing the meat with a deep, smoky essence that complements the tangy tomato sauce beautifully. It’s a brilliant way to use up leftover grilled chicken or a quick excuse to fire up the BBQ. This recipe is designed for RV life with minimal prep, easy cleanup, and ingredients that keep well in your pantry. It’s budget-friendly, comes together in under 30 minutes, and is guaranteed to satisfy even the hungriest campers. Let’s get cooking on the grill and stovetop!

Recipe Card

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Grill: Fire up your gas grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F). If using a charcoal grill, arrange hot coals to create a two-zone fire with direct and indirect heat.
2. Season and Grill the Chicken: In a bowl, coat the chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season generously with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Place on the direct heat side of the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken should have nice grill marks and a slightly charred exterior. Remove and let rest while you prepare the pasta.
3. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
4. Make the Tomato Tuna Sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and drained tuna. Break up the tuna with a spoon and let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Slice the rested grilled chicken and arrange it on top of the pasta. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. This BBQ recipe turned skillet meal is comfort food at its finest!

Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken Every Time

Grilling chicken for pasta dishes is a game-changer. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your chicken is always juicy and flavorful.

• Avoid Dry Chicken: The secret to juicy grilled chicken is not overcooking it. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and remove the chicken from the grill as soon as it hits 165°F. Letting it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing helps lock in those natural juices.
• Create Heat Zones: This is essential for charcoal grill cooking. Having a direct heat zone for searing and an indirect zone for finishing allows you to get that beautiful char without burning the outside. On a gas grill, simply turn off one burner for the same effect.
• Perfect Grill Marks: For those Instagram-worthy marks, place the chicken on the grill at a 45-degree angle. After 2-3 minutes, rotate 90 degrees without flipping to create the diamond pattern. Flip and repeat on the other side.
• Boost the Smoky Flavor: For an even deeper smoky flavor, add soaked wood chips (hickory, mesquite, or applewood) to your charcoal grill or smoker box on your gas grill. The smoke will infuse the chicken as it cooks, adding incredible depth to the final dish.

Delicious Variations

This versatile recipe is a blank canvas for creativity. Here are some fun ways to customize it based on your taste or pantry stash.

• Spicy Arrabbiata Version: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick. Top with grilled chicken seasoned with cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• BBQ Tuna Pasta Version: Stir ¼ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce into the tomato sauce. The sweet and tangy flavors pair beautifully with the smoky flavor from the grilled chicken.
• Healthy Veggie-Loaded Version: Sauté chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach along with the onion. Use whole wheat pasta and add extra tomatoes for a nutrient-rich meal.
• Mediterranean Version: Add chopped kalamata olives, capers, and a pinch of dried basil to the sauce. Swap Parmesan for crumbled feta cheese and serve with a squeeze of lemon.
• Creamy Tomato Version: Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream or cream cheese into the tomato sauce for a rich, velvety texture. This adds a luscious comfort food element to the dish.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers are a beautiful thing with this pasta skillet. Here’s how to store and reheat them properly.

• How to Store: Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store leftover grilled chicken separately to maintain its texture.
• How to Reheat: The best way to reheat is on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce, stirring occasionally. For the grilled chicken, reheat in a skillet with a little butter or in the microwave briefly. Avoid reheating on the grill as it can dry out the meat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use leftover grilled chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! This is a fantastic way to repurpose leftover grilled chicken. Simply skip the grilling step and slice your pre-cooked chicken. Add it to the skillet with the pasta to warm through at the end.

What pasta shape works best for this dish?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, fusilli, or shells work wonderfully because they catch the sauce in their ridges and curves. However, any pasta you have on hand will do—this is a pantry-friendly recipe after all!

Can I make this without a grill?

Yes! While the grill adds that amazing smoky flavor, you can cook the chicken in a skillet on your stovetop. Add a drop of liquid smoke to the sauce to mimic that BBQ taste if you miss the grill.

How long do I grill chicken for this pasta dish?

Grilling time varies based on the thickness of your chicken and grill temperature. On a medium-high gas grill or charcoal grill, plan for about 5-7 minutes per side. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature has reached 165°F for safety.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. The tomato tuna sauce is naturally creamy and flavorful without it, so it will still be delicious.