Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) cooked pasta (penne or macaroni)
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (preferably grilled or roasted; see chicken recipes)
- 1 cup smoky barbecue sauce (for the smoky flavor)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Start by grilling or roasting chicken breasts seasoned with your favorite spices. Once cooked, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. For more flavor, consider using leftovers from a previous barbecue meal. Check out more chicken recipes for ideas.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside. For quick prep, you can use effortless orzo pasta.
- In a large skillet, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant. Add the smoked paprika and cayenne pepper, stirring well. Mix in the smoky barbecue sauce, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheeses. Stir until creamy and heated through. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Add the shredded chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce. Mix thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated with the flavorful sauce. Transfer everything to a greased baking dish.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use leftover grilled or roasted chicken for enhanced flavor.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper for heat preference.
- Top with additional cheese or herbs for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg