Description

Smoky BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta Bake is a crowd-pleasing casserole that blends tender smoked chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich cheddar sauce brightened with a splash of grape juice. The buttery topping melts into a golden crust, while the creamy interior delivers comforting flavor in every bite. Ideal for busy weeknights, this dish serves six, cooks in under an hour, and makes leftovers perfect for next-day lunches.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked pasta
2 cups smoked chicken, shredded
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup grape juice
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9‑x‑13 inch baking dish.
In a large bowl combine pasta, smoked chicken, grape juice, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix well.
Transfer mixture to the prepared dish, sprinkle shredded cheddar on top, and dot with butter.
Bake for 25‑30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let cool a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For a spicier version
stir in beef chorizo or a pinch of cayenne. Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6 servings
Calories: 450
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Smoky BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Pasta Bake, easy chicken pasta bake, smoky chicken recipe, cheddar pasta casserole, family dinner ideas, quick oven bake, comfort food recipes, weeknight dinner, cheesy baked pasta, simple dinner recipes