BBQ Chicken Pasta Bake

This BBQ chicken pasta bake transforms leftover chicken into a crowd-pleasing family dinner that combines the smoky sweetness of barbecue sauce with gooey melted cheese and hearty pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need to reimagine yesterday's chicken into something completely new and exciting.

My family discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic sports season when we needed quick dinners that everyone would eat. It has since become our go-to solution for leftover chicken, with my teenagers actually hoping for BBQ chicken leftovers specifically for this pasta bake.

Ingredients

• Rigatoni or rotini pasta: Thick tubular or spiral shapes catch the sauce perfectly in every bite
• Extra virgin olive oil: Provides the base for sautéing with a fruity depth of flavor
• Red onion: Adds a touch of sweetness and beautiful color contrast
• Fresh garlic cloves: Essential aromatic foundation for the sauce
• Large fresh tomatoes: Create a fresher sauce than canned alternatives
• Brown sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes
• Red pepper (optional): Adds sweet crunch and vibrant color
• Chili flakes or hot sauce: Customize the heat level to your preference
• BBQ sauce: The star ingredient bringing smoky sweetness
• Sweet corn kernels: Add pops of sweetness throughout
• Black beans: Provide protein and hearty texture
• Leftover BBQ chicken: The perfect way to repurpose yesterday's dinner
• Mozzarella and cheddar cheese: Mozzarella for stretch, cheddar for sharp flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring heavily salted water to a rolling boil before adding the pasta. Cook until just al dente about 8-9 minutes for rigatoni. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so keeping it slightly firm now prevents mushiness later. Drain thoroughly but do not rinse.

Create the Flavor Base:

Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red onion, cooking just until fragrant and the onion begins to turn translucent about 1 to 2 minutes. Watch carefully as garlic burns quickly and becomes bitter.

Develop the Tomato Sauce:

Increase heat to high and add diced tomatoes, brown sugar, and chili flakes if using. The high heat will help water evaporate quickly while the brown sugar balances acidity. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes begin breaking down and releasing their juices.

Build Texture and Flavor:

Add the diced red pepper and continue cooking for another 3 minutes until most of the tomato liquid has evaporated. The sauce should be thickening but still have some moisture. This concentration of flavors creates the base for our BBQ sauce.

Incorporate Key Ingredients:

Stir in the BBQ sauce, corn kernels, and black beans. The sauce will take on a beautiful reddish brown color with specks of black and yellow throughout. Season with salt and pepper, tasting as you go to ensure perfect flavor balance.

Combine Components:

Gently fold in the shredded BBQ chicken and cooked pasta, ensuring every piece gets coated in the flavorful sauce. Be careful not to break the pasta while mixing. The warm sauce will begin to heat the chicken through.

Prepare for Baking:

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading evenly to the corners. The 8 or 9 inch square dish provides the perfect depth for maximum cheese-to-pasta ratio in each serving.

Add Cheese Layer:

Combine the grated mozzarella and cheddar cheeses and sprinkle evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. For extra decadence, gently press some cheese into the top layer of pasta before adding the final layer on top.

Bake to Perfection:

Place in a preheated 350°F oven for 30 minutes until the cheese is completely melted, bubbling, and beginning to brown in spots around the edges. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.

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This dish reminds me of Sunday family dinners at my grandmother's house, where she would transform leftover chicken into something entirely new and exciting. The black beans are my personal favorite addition, inspired by a southwestern pasta bake I had at a friend's house that completely changed how I approach pasta bakes.

Storage and Reheating

This pasta bake actually improves overnight as the flavors meld together in the refrigerator. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes until heated through, removing the foil for the last 5 minutes to re-crisp the cheese. Avoid microwave reheating if possible as it can make the pasta rubbery and cause the cheese to separate.

Make Ahead Options

This busy-week savior can be fully assembled up to 24 hours before baking. Prepare everything up to the cheese topping step, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off, add the cheese topping, and bake as directed, adding about 10 extra minutes to the baking time if still cold from the refrigerator.

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Customization Ideas

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. For a spicier version, double the chili flakes or hot sauce. Vegetarians can omit the chicken and double the black beans for protein. For a creamier variation, stir in 4 ounces of cream cheese with the BBQ sauce. Green peppers, zucchini, or spinach make excellent vegetable additions. For a crispy topping, mix 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese before baking.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty pasta bake pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For an effortless dinner party, serve alongside garlic bread and roasted broccoli. If serving a crowd, this recipe easily doubles for a 9x13 baking dish with no adjustments to cooking time needed. A dollop of sour cream on top adds a cool, tangy contrast to the warm BBQ flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use other types like penne, fusilli, or even macaroni as substitutes for rigatoni or rotini.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time, cover it tightly, and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from chilled.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Leave out the chicken and use plant-based BBQ sauce for a vegetarian option. You can also add more beans or vegetables for extra protein and texture.

→ What goes well with this dish as a side?

Pair this pasta bake with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.