I’m super excited to share this Smoky BBQ Chicken Cheddar Pasta Bake with you. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of smoky BBQ flavor that feels like a big cozy hug on a plate. Honestly, it’s one of those dishes I keep going back to!
If you want a comforting meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, this recipe is perfect. It’s great for feeding the whole family or prepping ahead for busy days. Plus, that melty cheddar and BBQ sauce combo? Simply irresistible.
I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every bite like I do. Ready to bake up some happiness?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food Classic: The rich smoky BBQ flavor mixed with melted cheddar is pure comfort.
- Easy to Prepare: Minimal prep and straightforward steps make it beginner-friendly.
- One-Dish Meal: Pasta, protein, and cheese all baked together for simple cleanup.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and bake when ready for a fuss-free dinner.
- Family Pleaser: Kids and adults alike love the cheesy, smoky taste.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings: Makes about 6 generous servings
Difficulty: Easy, perfect for cooks of all levels
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
Ingredients for Smoky BBQ Chicken Cheddar Pasta Bake
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this tasty dish together (exact measurements in the recipe card below):
- Penne pasta (or rotini/rigatoni) — Holds the sauce and cheese well.
- Cooked shredded chicken — Use rotisserie, leftover, or poached chicken.
- BBQ sauce — Choose a smoky, rich BBQ sauce to give the bake its signature flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese — Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds richness.
- Cream or milk — Creates a creamy sauce that coats the pasta.
- Smoked paprika — Adds extra smoky depth.
- Garlic powder — For a subtle savory note.
- Salt and pepper — To balance and enhance all flavors.
- Breadcrumbs (optional) — For a crispy, golden topping.
- Olive oil (optional) — To toast the breadcrumbs or grease the dish.
- Chopped green onions (optional) — Fresh garnish to brighten the dish.
Variations for Smoky BBQ Chicken Cheddar Pasta Bake
- Add heat: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to spice it up.
- Swap the cheese: Try a mix of smoked gouda or Monterey Jack with cheddar for a different cheesy twist.
- Veggie boost: Add sautéed bell peppers, corn, or black beans to make it more colorful and nutritious.
- Use ground chicken or turkey: Swap shredded chicken for ground meat if preferred.
- Make it vegetarian: Replace chicken with grilled or roasted mushrooms and use a vegetarian BBQ sauce.
How to Make Smoky BBQ Chicken Cheddar Pasta Bake Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente (usually 1-2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain well and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce and Chicken Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, cream or milk, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
3. Mix Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta to the chicken and BBQ sauce mixture. Stir gently to combine well.
4. Assemble the Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter. Pour the pasta and chicken mixture into the dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
5. Add Breadcrumb Topping (Optional)
If using breadcrumbs, toss them with a little olive oil and sprinkle over the cheese layer for a crunchy finish.
6. Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.
7. Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor before serving.
Serving Suggestions for Smoky BBQ Chicken Cheddar Pasta Bake
This bake works great as a complete meal, but here are some tasty ideas to round it out:
- Fresh Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad or coleslaw for contrast and crunch.
- Steamed Veggies: Light steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus complement the rich flavors well.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up any extra sauce.
- Pickles or Jalapeños: Add pickled jalapeños or your favorite pickles for a tangy kick.
Storing and Meal Prep Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This bake freezes well. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through or use the microwave on medium power to avoid drying.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Do not overcook the pasta before baking; it will finish cooking in the oven and absorb the sauce.
- Use a smoky BBQ sauce for best flavor. Avoid overly sweet sauces to keep balance.
- Toast the breadcrumbs in olive oil before sprinkling for extra crunch and flavor.
- Let the bake rest a few minutes after taking it out of the oven to set nicely.
- Use freshly shredded cheese if possible — it melts better than pre-shredded.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
Smoky Bbq Chicken Cheddar Pasta Bake
Course: pasta recipes20
minutes4
minutes450
kcalIngredients
12 oz penne pasta (or rotini/rigatoni)
3 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce (smoky style)
1 cup cream or milk
1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
2 tbsp olive oil (optional, for breadcrumbs)
2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix chicken, BBQ sauce, cream, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add pasta to the bowl and stir to combine evenly.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour pasta mixture in.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the top.
- If using, toss breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle on cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions before serving.
Smoky BBQ Chicken Cheddar Pasta Bake FAQs
Q: Can I use another type of pasta?
A: Yes, rotini, rigatoni, or shells work well as they hold sauce nicely.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip the breadcrumbs.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Refrigerate in airtight containers up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Bell peppers, corn, or peas are great additions.
Conclusion
This Smoky BBQ Chicken Cheddar Pasta Bake is a straightforward, comforting recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. With smoky flavors, creamy sauce, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and enjoy. Whether you keep it classic or add your own twist with veggies or spices, this dish is sure to satisfy.