Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure with these mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Pasta Shells! Imagine perfectly cooked jumbo pasta shells generously stuffed with tender, saucy BBQ chicken and topped with melted cheddar cheese - this recipe is about to become your new family favorite. Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing weeknight meal or a dish that'll impress at your next gathering, these BBQ Chicken Pasta Shells are guaranteed to have everyone coming back for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with 3/4 cup of BBQ sauce. Mix thoroughly to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
- Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the BBQ chicken mixture, filling them generously but not overpacking.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are placed close together but not overlapping.
- Drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring even coverage.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the shells.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use a high-quality BBQ sauce that complements the chicken's taste.
- Make sure to rinse the pasta shells with cold water after cooking to prevent them from sticking together.
- Don't overstuff the shells - leave a little room for the cheese to melt and bind the filling.
- If you want extra moisture, add a splash of chicken broth to the BBQ sauce mixture.
- For a crispy top, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes after baking to get a golden, slightly crisp cheese layer.
- Prep the chicken and shells ahead of time to make this a quick weeknight meal.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like monterey jack or pepper jack for variety.
- Leftover shells can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven for best texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg
