Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups cooked macaroni or pasta of choice
- 2 cups cooked and shredded BBQ chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1/4 cup smoky BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Ensure your cooked pasta and shredded BBQ chicken are ready. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the cream cheese over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the milk or heavy cream until smooth.
- Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and heated through.
- Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and creamy. Mix in smoky BBQ sauce thoroughly.
- Add cooked pasta and shredded BBQ chicken, tossing to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Optional: sprinkle additional cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Use leftover cooked pasta and shredded chicken for convenience.
- Adjust the amount of smoky BBQ sauce to taste for a more intense smoky flavor.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for added freshness and color.
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and verifying all ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Flexible, can be adapted for gluten-free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 470 Kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg