BBQ Chicken Pasta

This BBQ Chicken Pasta recipe is a mouthwatering combination of sweet and smoky barbecue sauce, tender chicken, and al dente penne noodles. It is also a powerhouse of protein, making it a super-satisfying meal.

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Baked casseroles are our specialty! More popular dinner casseroles include this taco potato casserole and this creamy chicken broccoli bake. Check out all of our yummy casserole recipes for more inspiration.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• This dish is packed with protein! It is a super satisfying dinner.
• It’s great for sharing family-style or bringing to a potluck.
• This recipe is really easy to customize. You can boost the veggies, use plant-based protein, and experiment with different seasonings or fresh herbs. Your options are endless.

Ingredients

Find the complete ingredient list with measurements in the recipe card below.

• Chicken – This recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Butter and Olive Oil – We like to use this combo to cook chicken.
• Salt + Pepper – Fine sea salt and black pepper are simple seasonings for chicken, yet they add so much flavor.
• Pasta – Our choice is usually penne as it stands up so well in casserole-type dishes.
• Onions – Red onions, thinly sliced, pair so well with the rest of the ingredients.
• Cream Cheese – Take this out of the fridge first so it is slightly softened and easier to stir.
• BBQ Sauce – We recommend using a sauce sweetened with natural sugar, such as dates, or a lower-sugar option.
• Mayonnaise – Our Homemade Mayonnaise is the best in this recipe.
• Cheese – Mozzarella is used in this recipe because it is rich and gooey, perfect for baked pasta.

Equipment

• Large Pot and Strainer – For cooking the pasta.
• Large Skillet – This is for cooking the chicken pieces and onions.
• Casserole Dish – We recommend using an 8 x 11 ceramic baking dish.

Instructions

Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the FULL recipe details.

Step 1

First, start by preheating the oven to 350°. Grease an 8 x 11 casserole dish and set it aside.

Step 2

Then, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, put the pasta in and cook it as directed on the package.

Drain it and set it aside in the strainer.

Step 3

Meanwhile, while the pasta is cooking, saute the chicken in a large skillet.

The bite-sized pieces cook pretty quickly.

Once the chicken is almost cooked, add the thinly sliced onions to the pan. Onions cook faster than chicken, so adding them at the end prevents them from burning.

Step 4

Next, whip up the sauce.

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the BBQ sauce, cream cheese, mayo, and a sprinkle of the shredded mozzarella. Most of the shredded cheese will be used to top the pasta.

The sauce doesn’t look beautiful, but it tastes delicious. Trust, me.

Step 5

Then, add the warm cooked pasta to the bowl with the BBQ sauce mixture.

Give it a good toss so the noodles are coated well with the sauce.

Step 6

Next, add the cooked chicken and onions to the bowl with the sauce and pasta.

Stir it all well to combine.

Step 7

Finally, spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Cover the pasta with the remaining shredded cheese.

Step 8

Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

This takes about 15-20 minutes.

Substitutions

• Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
• Substitute fusilli, ziti, or rotini pasta instead of penne noodles. If you want something gluten-free, check out these gluten-free pasta alternatives.
• Use ground beef instead of chicken for a new flavor combination.
• Thinly sliced shallots are a great alternative to red onions.
• Any melty cheese will work in this recipe instead of mozza. Try substituting parmesan or cheddar cheese, or a combo of all three.

Recipe Variations

• If you want a tomato-based dish, try this yummy penne pasta bake with a beefy bolognese sauce.
• Add a spicy flavor to the sauce by adding seasonings to the BBQ sauce mixture. Garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper are all tasty ideas.
• Add a ton of veggies to boost the nutrition of this recipe. Great vegetable addin options include corn, thinly sliced red peppers, spinach, and mushrooms.
• Make it super indulgent, and toss in some cooked bacon before baking.

Maybe you need something that is ready quickly? Try this simple pasta and peas recipe, which is on your table in only 20 minutes. Easy peasy. 😉

Serving Suggestions

• Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped fresh parsley, or basil for a pop of color and freshness.
• Our favorite pairing with pasta dishes is a simple lettuce salad as a side dish.
• Pair the pasta with a side of grilled vegetables such as zucchini or asparagus for a wholesome meal.

FAQS

Storage Tips

To Store: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It should be cooled completely before storing and reheated thoroughly before serving.

More Pasta Dinner Recipes

If you try this BBQ Chicken Pasta Bake recipe, please rate it and let us know how it turned out by commenting below. We’re always interested in feedback!

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