BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

About This Recipe

Pulled BBQ chicken and high protein mac and cheese baked with a cheesy top layer and BBQ drizzle.

Ingredients

• 16 oz Pulled BBQ Chicken*
• 8 oz Banza Pasta Shells
• 1 C Pasta Water
• 1 C Milk
• 10 oz Shredded Cheese Blend (divided)

Instructions

1. Preheat an oven to 400ºF and bring a pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
2. Cook the pasta for 8-9 minutes until tender. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Set aside.
3. Set the burner to its lowest setting and add the drained pasta back to the pot with the cup of pasta water and milk. Stir to fully incorporate.
4. Gradually fold in 8 oz of shredded cheese 1-2 oz at a time until you have a smooth sauce. (Don't worry if the sauce is slightly runny, it will thicken in the oven once the chicken is added.) Salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish or oven safe skillet and stir in the pulled chicken. Top with 2 oz of shredded cheese and drizzle with BBQ sauce (optional). Bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.