Flavored with a light and simple barbecue-style sauce, this tasty pasta casserole combines tender chunks of chicken with creamy melted cheese, bacon, onion and a bit of fresh cilantro to make an easy one-dish dinner.
Baked Barbecue Chicken Pasta
Bite-sized chunks of chicken in a light barbecue-style sauce combine with pasta, bacon, creamy melted gouda, and a bit fresh cilantro to make this flavorful baked pasta casserole.
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounces pasta, penne, rotini, ziti
- 1/4 lb bacon, preferably thick-cut, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
- 3 to 4 scallions, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, or parsley, chopped
- 4 ounces smoked, or regular Gouda cheese, coarsely grated
For the sauce:
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
- 1-1/2 teaspoons chipotle pepper sauce, more or less to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously coat a 1-1/2 quart casserole dish with nonstick spray.
- Cook and drain the pasta according to package directions and set aside.
- Fry the bacon until crisp, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of fat from the pan and add the red onion.
- Sauté the onion until softened, 2 minutes, then add the chicken and continue cooking, stirring often, until the chicken is cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes longer.
- Remove the pan from the heat, add the reserved bacon and combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper and set aside to cool for 5 minutes.
- While the chicken cools, prepare the sauce by combining the ketchup, honey, soy sauce, vinegar and mustard in a measuring cup. Stir in the chipotle pepper sauce to taste.
- Add the sauce to the chicken mixture along with the scallions, cilantro and all but 1/4 cup of the grated cheese. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish and top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 15 minutes. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Baked Barbecue Chicken Pasta
Amount per Serving
Calories
402
% Daily Value*
Fat
17
g
26
%
Saturated Fat
8
g
50
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
8
g
Cholesterol
132
mg
44
%
Sodium
745
mg
32
%
Carbohydrates
33
g
11
%
Fiber
2
g
8
%
Sugar
11
g
12
%
Protein
32
g
64
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Have you tried this recipe?Did you add your own special touch? We’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment and a rating to share your thoughts with others.
Linda says
This sounds delicious! I will be making it soon!
Cristi says
This is an awesome, easy recipe. My kids really love it!
Lynne Webb says
Glad you and the kids like the recipe! Thanks for taking the time to come back and let us know!