Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the chicken breasts into strips. Mince the garlic and finely chop the onion.

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, and chili powder. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Saute Aromatics: In the same skillet, add onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant.

Combine Ingredients: Lower the heat and add the BBQ sauce to the skillet. Stir to mix with the onions and garlic. If desired, add heavy cream or milk to the sauce for a creamier consistency. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, tossing to coat in the BBQ sauce.

Add Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, stirring to combine and ensure even coating with the sauce. Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili powder if necessary.

Serve: Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.