Description
This smoky bbq chicken & cheddar pasta bake blends tender shredded chicken, al dente pasta, and sharp cheddar cheese in a creamy barbecue sauce that bakes into a bubbling golden crust. Each bite delivers smoky sweetness, cheesy richness, and comforting warmth, making it an ideal weeknight dinner for the whole family. Easy to prepare, it also reheats beautifully for satisfying leftovers. Serve it hot from the oven,cheese stretches while smoky sauce leaves a flavor that keeps all the for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl whisk together barbecue sauce, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add cooked pasta and shredded chicken; stir until coated.
- Fold in half of the cheddar cheese.
- Grease a baking dish and transfer mixture, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 25‑30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest 5 minutes, garnish with green onions if desired, then serve.
Notes
- For extra spice
- add a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce. Leftovers reheat well in a 300°F oven covered with foil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: smoky bbq chicken & cheddar pasta bake, easy chicken pasta bake, cheesy pasta recipes, quick family meals, comfort food dinner, BBQ chicken bake, cheddar pasta casserole, weeknight dinner ideas, one pan chicken pasta