Description
Creamy, cheesy pasta combined with tender shredded chicken tossed in smoky BBQ sauce and spices, perfect for comforting weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup milk (low-fat preferred)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shredded chicken and cook 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
- Stir in BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, warm milk. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked pasta to cheese sauce, stirring to combine. Fold in BBQ chicken mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Substitute BBQ sauce with your preferred flavor—sweet, spicy, or smoky.
- For creamier mac and cheese, add a splash of cream or extra cheese.
- Gluten-free pasta can be used to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for color and freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta, Comfort Food
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American, Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
