Freezer Barbecue Chicken Pasta

Looking for a comforting, make-ahead meal that’s both family-friendly and bursting with flavor? This Freezer Barbecue Chicken Pasta is the ultimate blend of smoky barbecue sauce, tender shredded chicken, and creamy, cheesy goodness—all tossed with al dente penne pasta. Perfect for midweek dinners or no-fuss meal prepping, this dish transitions seamlessly from freezer to table. A quick sauté of fragrant garlic and a dreamy mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese elevate the creamy barbecue sauce to mouthwatering perfection. Garnished with fresh parsley, this pasta bake can be enjoyed fresh from the oven or reheated straight from the freezer. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning ahead, this freezer-friendly barbecue pasta is a guaranteed hit!

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1.5 cups barbecue sauce
• 0.5 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente, as per the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the shredded cooked chicken to the skillet and heat it through for about 3 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the barbecue sauce and heavy cream, mixing until the chicken is evenly coated and the sauce is well combined. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 5

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine the pasta with the barbecue chicken mixture.

Step 6

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.

Step 7

Season the pasta with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well.

Step 8

Transfer the pasta to a freezer-safe baking dish if freezing. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature before covering with foil and freezing.

Step 9

If preparing immediately, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle additional cheese on top if desired, and bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden on top.

Step 10

Garnish with chopped parsley before serving to add freshness and color.

Step 11

To reheat from frozen, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), cover the dish with foil, and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. Remove foil during the last 10 minutes to lightly brown the top.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1181.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3345.6

Total Fat 137.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 69.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 726.9mg	0%
Sodium 3064.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 259.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.5g	0%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 247.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1696.6mg	0%
Iron 19.0mg	0%
Potassium 1915.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 38.0%

Protein: 30.3%

Carbs: 31.7%