Description

A creamy, smoky BBQ chicken pasta bake that is perfect for meal prep. This dish reheats beautifully, maintaining its texture and flavor for up to five days, making it an ideal high-protein comfort food for busy weeks.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound penne or rigatoni
2 large rotisserie chickens, meat removed and shredded
1.5 cups smoky BBQ sauce
1 cup chicken broth
1 large yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
4 stalks green onions, sliced
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon oil (for sautéing)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Boil pasta in salted water for 1 minute less than package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add softened cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until melted and smooth. Mix in sour cream, BBQ sauce, and chicken broth until combined. Remove from heat.
Add shredded chicken to the sauce mixture and stir to coat evenly.
Fold in the cooked pasta until every piece is coated. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and topping is golden brown.
Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions and cilantro.

Notes

Undercook pasta slightly to prevent sogginess after baking. Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking. If using thick BBQ sauce, add extra broth. For gluten-free, use GF pasta and verify BBQ sauce ingredients. For dairy-free, use vegan alternatives. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 650
Sugar: 18
Sodium: 900
Fat: 25
Saturated Fat: 12
Carbohydrates: 60
Fiber: 3
Protein: 45

Keywords: BBQ chicken pasta, meal prep, comfort food, easy dinner, chicken casserole, smoky pasta, batch cooking