Description
This creamy and comforting Mac and Cheese with Pulled BBQ Chicken combines tender Banza pasta shells and a rich, cheesy sauce, baked to perfection with a crispy cheese topping. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this recipe delivers smoky BBQ flavors and a gooey cheese experience in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz Banza Pasta Shells
- 1 cup Pasta Water (reserved from boiling pasta)
- 1 cup Milk
- 8 oz Shredded Cheese Blend (for sauce)
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Other Ingredients
- 16 oz Pulled BBQ Chicken
- 2 oz Shredded Cheese Blend (for topping)
- BBQ Sauce (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Boil Pasta: Preheat your oven to 400ºF. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil to cook the pasta.
- Cook Pasta: Add the Banza pasta shells to the boiling water and cook for 8-9 minutes until tender but still firm to the bite. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta, then set the pasta aside.
- Combine Pasta with Liquids: Return the drained pasta to the pot and set the burner to its lowest setting. Add the reserved pasta water and milk, stirring to combine everything fully.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Gradually fold in 8 oz of shredded cheese bit by bit, stirring continuously until you achieve a smooth and creamy cheese sauce. The sauce may be slightly runny at this point; season with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce will thicken during baking.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into a baking dish or an oven-safe skillet. Stir in the pulled BBQ chicken evenly throughout the mac and cheese.
- Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 2 oz of shredded cheese on top and optionally drizzle BBQ sauce over the dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water as it contains starch that helps to create a smooth cheese sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce before baking, use less pasta water or let the sauce simmer gently on low heat before transferring to the oven.
- Feel free to substitute the pulled chicken with any shredded cooked protein or omit for a vegetarian option (excluding BBQ sauce).
- Banza pasta is made from chickpeas and is higher in protein and fiber than regular pasta, making this a more nutritious mac and cheese.
- Cooking times may vary based on your oven, so watch closely to avoid over-browning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American