Description
This Cheesy BBQ Chicken Bacon Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food casserole. Tender pasta, smokey bacon, juicy chicken, and a creamy BBQ sauce are baked with a bubbly cheese topping. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels; leave about 2 tablespoons drippings in skillet.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion until soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in barbecue sauce, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.
- Toss cooked pasta, bacon, and chicken with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
For extra smokiness, use smoked paprika or chipotle barbecue sauce. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 18g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 35g