There’s something about a bubbling, cheesy casserole that brings comfort straight to the dinner table. But when you add smoky barbecue flavor, tender chicken, and hearty pasta, you get a whole new level of crave-worthy. This BBQ Chicken Pasta Casserole blends all your favorite comfort food elements into one dish that’s bold, satisfying, and weeknight-friendly. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving something warm and cozy, this pasta bake delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.
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BBQ Chicken Pasta Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Bake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This BBQ Chicken Pasta Casserole is the ultimate comfort bake. Smoky barbecue sauce, juicy chicken, sweet corn, and melty cheese come together in one hearty dish your family will love.
Ingredients
3 cups uncooked rigatoni (or similar short pasta)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium red onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
6 cups diced fresh tomatoes (about 4 large tomatoes)
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or 2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional)
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
1 cup black beans, cooked and rinsed if canned
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 cups cooked barbecue chicken, chopped or shredded
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8- or 9-inch square baking dish and set aside.
2. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
3. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking for 1–2 minutes until softened and fragrant without browning.
4. Increase the heat slightly and add the diced tomatoes, brown sugar, and chili flakes if using. Cook until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
5. Stir in the red bell pepper and cook for a few more minutes, allowing most of the excess liquid to cook off.
6. Add the barbecue sauce, corn, and black beans. Season with salt and pepper, stirring well to combine.
7. Fold in the cooked chicken and drained pasta, mixing until everything is evenly coated with sauce.
8. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish.
9. Combine the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses and sprinkle evenly over the top.
10. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
You can substitute canned diced tomatoes if fresh are not available. Add extra chili or hot sauce for a spicier version. This casserole freezes well before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Why BBQ Chicken Pasta Casserole Is the Weeknight Hero
Few meals hit the sweet spot between comfort and convenience like a BBQ Chicken Pasta Casserole. It starts with familiar ingredients—pasta, chicken, cheese—and transforms them into a one-dish wonder that feeds a crowd and reheats like a dream.
What makes this version shine is the twist: barbecue sauce replaces traditional tomato sauce, creating a sweet, tangy base that pairs beautifully with tender shredded chicken and melty cheese. It’s a flavor combo that feels familiar yet fresh, and the bonus? It uses pantry staples, so you’re likely already halfway there.
And when you’re juggling school nights, workdays, and everything in between, having a dependable recipe that goes from stovetop to oven in under an hour is nothing short of a kitchen win. This casserole can also be portioned out ahead of time, making it perfect for grab-and-go lunches or freezer meals.
Inside the Flavors of This BBQ Chicken Pasta Casserole
At the heart of this dish is a homemade tomato-barbecue sauce that builds flavor in layers. Starting with sautéed onions and garlic, the sauce gets richness from fresh tomatoes and a touch of brown sugar, creating a depth that jarred sauces often miss.
Then comes the barbecue sauce—the real game-changer. Its smoky sweetness cuts through the acidity of the tomatoes and wraps every bite of pasta in bold, finger-licking flavor. Add in a dash of chili flakes or hot sauce if you like a little kick, or keep it mellow for a more kid-friendly dish.
Of course, no casserole is complete without cheese. A mix of shredded mozzarella and cheddar melts into the pasta, creating a gooey top layer that browns beautifully in the oven. It’s that golden, bubbling crust that makes each scoop irresistible.
Building the Perfect BBQ Chicken Pasta Casserole
Start with the pasta. Rigatoni is a great choice here—its ridges hold onto the sauce, and its sturdy shape stands up well to baking. Cook it just to al dente so it doesn’t get mushy in the oven.
Next, the chicken. Using cooked barbecue chicken not only saves time but also infuses the dish with that signature smokiness. Whether it’s leftovers, rotisserie chicken tossed in sauce, or grilled chicken prepped just for this recipe, it all works.
What sets this casserole apart is the thoughtful layering of flavors. Red bell pepper, sweet corn, and black beans bring texture and heartiness, turning this into a full meal in one pan. Once everything is folded together, it’s time to transfer to your baking dish, top with cheese, and let the oven do its magic.
How to Serve, Store, and Reheat Like a Pro
This casserole is a natural star at dinner, but it doesn’t stop there. Leftovers make excellent lunches, and the dish holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Simply reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through—add a splash of water or BBQ sauce if needed to revive moisture.
Planning ahead? This dish freezes like a dream. Assemble everything up to the cheese topping, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. It’s a game plan that makes busy weeknights feel effortless.
To round out the meal, serve your BBQ Chicken Pasta Casserole with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli. For something heartier, cornbread or garlic knots are always welcome on the side.
Variations on BBQ Chicken Casserole You’ll Want to Try
This dish is endlessly customizable. Craving something even more comforting? A BBQ chicken casserole with potatoes is a hearty alternative. Swap the pasta for cubed cooked potatoes, toss everything in the sauce, and bake as usual for a homestyle spin.
Prefer grains? A BBQ chicken casserole with rice is just as satisfying. Use cooked brown or white rice in place of pasta for a gluten-free version that still brings all the cozy vibes.
Want to adapt it for picky eaters or spice lovers? Leave out the chili flakes for younger palates, or load up with jalapeños and extra hot sauce for those who like it bold. It’s a recipe designed to flex with your preferences, which is what makes it a repeat favorite.
More Family-Favorite Pasta Casseroles
If you love the combo of tender chicken, cheesy sauce, and pasta, you’ll want to try more hearty baked recipes like this. The Cheesy chicken broccoli Alfredo bake brings a creamy, veggie-packed twist that even picky eaters enjoy.
For something with a little smoky crunch, the Chicken bacon Alfredo pasta casserole delivers with crispy bacon bits, rich Alfredo, and gooey cheese layered into every bite.
Once you master the art of the casserole, the options are endless. Mix and match sauces, proteins, and veggies to make your own signature family classic.
FAQ: BBQ Chicken Pasta Casserole
Can I use leftover BBQ chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely. Leftover BBQ chicken is perfect here and actually enhances the flavor since it’s already marinated and cooked. Just shred or chop and fold it in during the final step before baking.
How do I make BBQ chicken casserole with potatoes?
To make a BBQ chicken casserole with potatoes, replace the pasta with pre-cooked, diced potatoes. Yukon gold or russets work well. Mix everything with the sauce, transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake as usual.
What’s the best type of pasta to use?
Short pastas like rigatoni, penne, or fusilli are ideal. Their shape holds sauce well and stays firm after baking. Avoid delicate noodles like angel hair or spaghetti, which can get mushy.
Can I prep this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure it’s heated through.
Conclusion: Why This BBQ Chicken Pasta Casserole Deserves a Spot in Your Rotation
This BBQ Chicken Pasta Casserole is more than just another baked dinner—it’s a celebration of flavor, ease, and feel-good food. With its smoky, saucy base and cheesy top layer, it’s the kind of dish that pleases everyone at the table without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re trying to use up leftovers, impress guests with something cozy yet bold, or just feed a hungry family fast, this casserole covers it all. And with freezer-friendly flexibility and countless ways to customize, it’s one recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
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