Description

A creamy, tangy, and smoky baked pasta dish that delivers restaurant-level flavor with minimal active prep time. Perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
12 ounces (340g) penne rigate
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 cup Smoky BBQ sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 stalks green onions, sliced
Salt and black pepper to taste
Cooking spray or extra butter for greasing dish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook in a skillet over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Rest for 5 minutes, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté diced onion for 5 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in BBQ sauce and simmer for 2 minutes. Whisk in heavy cream and simmer for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Boil penne in salted water according to package directions, but subtract one minute from the suggested time to keep it al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chopped chicken, and the smoky BBQ sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Optionally broil for the last 2 minutes for extra browning.
Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before garnishing with green onions and serving.

Notes

For best results, use freshly shredded cheese as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Let the chicken rest before chopping to retain juices. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to help it cling to the pasta.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
Calories: 575
Sugar: 12
Sodium: 850
Fat: 27.5
Saturated Fat: 14
Carbohydrates: 47.5
Fiber: 2
Protein: 32.5

Keywords: BBQ chicken pasta, baked pasta, smoky chicken, comfort food, weeknight dinner, meal prep, easy dinner, cheesy pasta