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Smoky BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta Bake

Smoky BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta Bake: Comfort Food Delight

Delight in the Smoky BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta Bake, a family-friendly dish combining pasta, chicken, and BBQ sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Base
  • 16 ounces Penne pasta Cook al dente for best texture.
  • 2 cups Shredded chicken Leftover rotisserie chicken works well.
For the Flavor
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce Choose according to taste preference.
  • 1/2 cup Cream or milk Dairy-free option: use plant-based milk.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika A little goes a long way.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder Fresh minced garlic can be substituted.
For the Cheesy Goodness
  • 2 cups Cheddar cheese Blend of sharp and mild for complexity.
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs Optional, toast in olive oil until golden.
For Seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil Used to toast breadcrumbs.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking Dish
  • Spatula
  • skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking dish with olive oil.
  2. Cook penne pasta in salted water until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine pasta, shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, cream or milk, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and half of the cheddar cheese. Fold gently.
  4. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, balancing flavors.
  5. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  6. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta mixture.
  7. Toast breadcrumbs in olive oil until golden, then sprinkle over the cheese layer, if using.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  9. Let cool for a few minutes before serving; garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Pair with a green salad or garlic bread for a balanced meal. Great for using up leftovers and reducing food waste.

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