Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Pasta Bake! Imagine a perfect harmony of tender chicken, al dente pasta, tangy BBQ sauce, and melted cheese all baked to golden perfection. This crowd-pleasing dish combines the smoky flavors of BBQ with the creamy richness of a classic pasta bake, creating a meal that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. Whether you're hosting a family dinner or looking for a quick and delicious weeknight meal, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food sensation!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and shredded chicken, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Pour the BBQ sauce over the pasta and chicken, stirring thoroughly to coat all ingredients completely with the sauce.
- Transfer the BBQ chicken pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the diced red onions evenly across the top of the pasta mixture.
- Cover the entire dish with shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to set and flavors to meld.
- Garnish with chopped green onions just before serving for added freshness and color.
- Serve hot directly from the baking dish, portioning into individual servings.
Tips
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly grill chicken breasts for the most flavorful results.
- Choose a high-quality BBQ sauce that complements the other ingredients - a slightly smoky sauce works best.
- For extra crunch, consider adding breadcrumbs on top of the cheese before baking.
- Make sure to let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and flavors to meld.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat cheese and a reduced-sugar BBQ sauce.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like adding some mozzarella or pepper jack for varied flavor profiles.
- Prep ingredients in advance to make this a quick weeknight meal.
- Ensure pasta is al dente before mixing to prevent overcooking during the baking process.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 75mg
