Creamy Cheddar BBQ Pasta Description:
Creamy Cheddar BBQ Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines smoky BBQ sauce, sharp cheddar cheese, and tender pasta in a creamy, tangy sauce. It’s perfect as a main course or a BBQ side dish. You can add grilled chicken or smoked sausage for extra protein
Ingredients (Serves 4):
Pasta: 300g (10 oz) elbow macaroni or rotini
Butter: 2 tbsp
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Flour: 2 tbsp (for thickening)
Milk: 2 cups
Cheddar cheese: 2 cups shredded (sharp or mild)
Cream cheese: 2 tbsp (optional, for extra creaminess)
BBQ sauce: ¾ cup (sweet or smoky depending on preference)
Smoked paprika: ½ tsp (optional for extra BBQ flavor)
Salt and pepper: to taste
Chopped parsley or green onion: for garnish
(Optional Add-ins)
Cooked shredded BBQ chicken or sausage – 1 cup
Roasted corn or black beans – ½ cup
Instructions:
Boil Pasta:
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make Cheese Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Add Milk:
Gradually whisk in milk to avoid lumps. Cook until slightly thickened (about 2–3 minutes).
Add Cheeses:
Lower heat, stir in cheddar cheese and cream cheese until melted and smooth.
Add BBQ Sauce:
Mix in BBQ sauce and smoked paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Combine Pasta:
Add cooked pasta to the sauce and stir well to coat. Add in any proteins or veggies if using.
Serve:
Top with extra cheese, parsley or green onions, and serve hot!
Time Breakdown:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – without added protein):
Calories: ~520 kcal
Protein: 18g
Carbohydrates: 58g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 780mg
Note: Nutritional values will vary based on BBQ sauce type and optional add-ins.
Common Questions & Answers:
Q1: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes! It reheats well. Add a splash of milk when reheating to loosen the sauce.
Q2: What type of BBQ sauce is best?
A: A smoky or honey BBQ sauce works great. You can adjust sweetness or heat to your liking.
Q3: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Absolutely—just skip the meat add-ins. Consider adding black beans, mushrooms, or roasted veggies.
Q4: Is this freezer-friendly?
A: It’s best eaten fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat with extra milk.
Q5: Can I use non-dairy cheese and milk?
A: Yes, dairy-free alternatives work. Use plant-based cheddar and unsweetened oat or soy milk.