BBQ Chicken Spiral Pasta Bake
This BBQ Chicken Spiral Pasta Bake is a nostalgic family favorite that perfectly balances flavor and nutrition. Created years ago, this hearty dish combines tender chicken with tri-color spiral pasta, all enveloped in a sweet and tangy honey barbecue sauce. It’s packed with green beans for added nutrition and topped with gooey mozzarella cheese that melts to perfection. This bake not only delights the taste buds but also fits into a healthy lifestyle, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike. Serve it warm with crusty Italian or French bread, and it’ll quickly become a dinner staple in your home!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tri-color spiral pasta
12 ounces (dry)
Honey barbecue sauce
1 cup
Low sodium chicken broth
14 ounces (canned)
French style green beans
14.5 ounces (drained and rinsed)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
1.5 pounds (cooked and diced)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
1.5 cups
Garlic powder or minced garlic
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat, cook the boneless, skinless chicken breasts for approximately 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Allow the chicken to cool for about 5 minutes, then dice it into bite-sized pieces.
3
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tri-color spiral pasta and cook it according to the package direction until al dente. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large, greased baking dish.
4
Add the diced chicken, honey barbecue sauce, low sodium chicken broth, drained and rinsed green beans, and garlic powder (or minced garlic) to the pasta. Stir everything together until well combined.
5
Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole.
6
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
7
After 45 minutes, remove the foil and stir the casserole gently before returning it to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BBQ Chicken Spiral Pasta Bake?
It is a hearty casserole featuring tender chicken, tri-color spiral pasta, honey barbecue sauce, green beans, and melted mozzarella cheese.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Tri-color spiral pasta is recommended for its appearance and texture, but any short pasta like rotini or penne will work.
Can I substitute the tri-color pasta?
Yes, you can use regular rotini or any other spiral pasta if tri-color is unavailable.
What is the required oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How should I prepare the chicken breasts?
Cook the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a skillet for 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Yes, using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken is a great way to save time.
What kind of BBQ sauce is used in this bake?
The recipe calls for one cup of sweet and tangy honey barbecue sauce.
Can I use a different flavor of BBQ sauce?
Certainly, you can use spicy, smoky, or original BBQ sauce depending on your preference.
What vegetable is included in this dish?
The recipe includes French style green beans for added nutrition.
Do I need to drain the green beans?
Yes, ensure the green beans are drained and rinsed before adding them to the pasta mix.
How much chicken broth is required?
You will need 14 ounces of low sodium chicken broth.
Why is chicken broth added to the casserole?
The broth keeps the pasta moist during the long baking process and helps create a sauce.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
Shredded mozzarella cheese is used for its excellent melting properties.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Can I substitute the mozzarella with another cheese?
Yes, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Colby Jack blend would also taste delicious.
How long does the dish need to bake while covered?
Bake the casserole covered with foil for 45 minutes.
Why do I remove the foil for the final baking stage?
Removing the foil allows the cheese to become bubbly and golden.
How long is the final baking time after removing the foil?
Bake it for an additional 10-15 minutes after removing the foil.
Do I need to stir the casserole during baking?
Yes, remove the foil after 45 minutes and stir the casserole gently before finishing the bake.
What should I serve with the BBQ Chicken Spiral Pasta Bake?
It is best served warm with crusty Italian or French bread.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is a family-friendly dish that is popular with both kids and adults.
Should I use garlic powder or fresh minced garlic?
The recipe allows for either one teaspoon of garlic powder or one teaspoon of minced garlic.
Is this pasta bake a healthy option?
Yes, it balances flavor and nutrition by using lean chicken, green beans, and low sodium broth.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used, though you should adjust the skillet cooking time accordingly.
What meal category does this dish fall into?
This is considered a casserole or a one-dish meal.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, transfer the pasta to a large, greased baking dish to prevent sticking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the ingredients in the baking dish and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can this casserole be frozen?
Yes, it can be frozen, though the pasta texture may change slightly upon thawing and reheating.
Should the pasta be fully cooked before baking?
Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package directions before adding it to the baking dish.