Description
A creamy, cheesy Southern-style casserole combining rotini pasta, shredded chicken, and smoky BBQ sauce, topped with a golden brown crust of mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) Rotini or Penne Pasta
- 2 large chicken breasts or 4 thighs (shredded or diced)
- 1.5 cups (360ml) BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup (240ml) Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half
- 2 cups (225g) Low-moisture Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
- 1 cup (115g) Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 1 medium Red Onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Add rotini and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse with cool water.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced red onion and a pinch of salt; cook until translucent (5 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and smoked paprika to the skillet; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Prepare chicken: If using raw, poach or cook separately until done, then shred or dice. If using rotisserie, pull meat from bone.
- Pour BBQ sauce and heavy cream into the skillet with onions. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add drained pasta and shredded chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Transfer pasta mixture to the baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and edges bubble.
- Switch oven to broil for 2-3 minutes to brown the cheese, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use sturdy pasta like rotini to hold sauce. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it contains anti-caking agents. If the mixture looks dry, add a splash of milk or broth. Let chicken come to room temperature before adding to ensure even melting of cheese. Can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 60
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: BBQ chicken pasta, pasta bake, southern comfort food, casserole, easy dinner, crowd pleaser, smoky chicken