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BBQ Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake - Creamy, Saucy, and Crowd-Pleasing

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Pasta: 12 ounces of penne, rigatoni, or ziti (short shapes hold the sauce best).
  • Cooked chicken: 3 cups shredded or chopped (rotisserie works perfectly).
  • BBQ sauce: 3/4 cup, plus more for drizzling (choose your preferred brand and sweetness level).
  • Alfredo sauce: About 2 cups (use a good-quality jar or homemade).
  • Heavy cream or milk: 1/2 cup to loosen the sauce if needed.
  • Mozzarella: 2 cups shredded for melty pull.
  • Parmesan: 1/2 cup grated for sharp, salty finish.
  • Red onion: 1/2 cup thinly sliced (optional, for bite and sweetness).
  • Bell pepper: 1 small, diced (optional, adds color and crunch).
  • Olive oil or butter: 1 tablespoon for sautéing veggies (if using).
  • Garlic: 2 cloves minced, or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
  • Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon (optional, boosts smoky flavor).
  • Salt and black pepper: To taste.
  • Fresh parsley or green onions: For garnish.

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the pasta: Boil in salted water until just shy of al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package time). Drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water in case you want to thin the sauce.
  3. Sauté the veggies (optional): In a skillet, warm the oil or butter over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper with a pinch of salt. Cook 4–5 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds. Remove from heat.
  4. Mix the sauces: In a large bowl, combine Alfredo sauce, BBQ sauce, and cream or milk. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. You’re looking for a creamy base with a hint of tang.
  5. Combine everything: Add the pasta, chicken, and sautéed veggies to the bowl. Toss until evenly coated. If it feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water.
  6. Layer the cheese: Pour the mixture into the baking dish. Top evenly with mozzarella and sprinkle Parmesan over the top.
  7. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–12 minutes until bubbling.
  8. Optional broil: For a golden top, broil 1–2 minutes. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
  9. Finish and serve: Let it rest 5 minutes. Drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce over the top, and garnish with parsley or green onions. Serve warm.