Smoky Cheesy Pasta Dish (Printable Format)
Creamy mac and cheese meets tangy BBQ chicken in this quick, protein-packed comfort food that's ready in under 30 minutes.
# What You'll Gather:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cooked and shredded
02 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
03 -
8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
04 -
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
05 -
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
06 -
1 cup milk (low-fat preferred)
07 -
1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
08 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
09 -
1 teaspoon onion powder
10 -
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 -
Salt and pepper to taste
12 -
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
02 -
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes to warm through.
03 -
Stir in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken in the sauce.
04 -
In a separate saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese, continuing to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
05 -
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine. Then, fold in the BBQ chicken mixture and continue stirring until everything is well mixed.
06 -
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
# Important Tips:
01 -
You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal.
02 -
For extra flavor, add a handful of crispy bacon bits or some sautéed onions.
03 -
This dish is great for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
04 -
Try topping with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and broiling for 1-2 minutes for a crispy top.