We are fortunate to have a toddler with a healthy appetite. In fact his appetite is so healthy, he will give pretty much anything a go – he even loves my green smoothies. However if he had to choose, his favourite foods (in no particular order) the list would include: Pasta, Corn, Chicken Nuggets, Cheese and Toast. He also has an odd obsession fascination with BBQ sauce (I blame my husband for this), to the point where he has demanded it be added to a Vegemite and Cheese sandwich (naturally I obliged – hey, at least he ate it!). So when I came across this recipe for Easy BBQ Chicken Casserole by Clarks Condensed, I knew I was onto a winner. As the days are getting cooler (finally!), I’ve been craving a a hearty pasta bake, even more so after I put together some yummy comfort food recipes last week. Luckily, I only had to wait a few days until our new meal planner was ready to be written, and I added this recipe to the very first day. 
I decided to add a couple more veggies to my version, and also used tasty and parmesan cheese instead of mozzarella (simply as this was all I had in the fridge). I also decided to serve it with broccoli and green beans to add a few more ‘colours’ to our plate 
It ended up being quite ‘cheesy’ just using the tasty and parmesan cheese. However I think mozzarella would be yummy too. 
Serving up, I was confident we were onto a winner. It took our Toddler a few minutes to investigate it (and check if it passed the roadworthy) and although he added the entire container of extra cheese that was meant for the four of us, he still ate everything that was on his plate – greens included! 
BBQ Chicken Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 250 g of dried Bow Tie Pasta
- 1 x chicken breast approx 250g
- 3 rashers of short cut bacon - chopped
- 1 x red onion - chopped
- 1/2 cup of frozen corn kernels
- 1/2 red capsicum - chopped
- 200 g tin of pineapple pieces
- 1/2 cup of grated tasty cheese
- 1/4 cup of finely grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tin of crushed tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 190 degrees (fan forced).
- Cook pasta as per directions, drain and set aside.
- In a non stick fry pan, add the chicken breast, bacon, corn, red onion and capsicum and cook over a medium to high heat for approximately 8 minutes until the chicken breast has cooked through and the bacon has browned slightly.
- Remove chicken breast from the pan and shred using two forks.
- Add drained pasta, shredded chicken, bacon, corn, red onion and capsicum to baking dish. Add 1/4 cup of the tasty cheese and approx half of the parmesan cheese.
- Add the pineapple pieces, BBQ sauce and crushed tomatoes and gently combine in baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and then pop into the oven for 25 minutes until the cheese on top has started to brown.
Do you have a fussy toddler/child in your house? Do they also put their food into the trays of their toy trucks?
Linking up with Essentially Jess for IBOT.
Renee at Mummy, Wife, Me says
What would I do without you, Lauren?! Keep these awesome dinner ideas coming. I will make this one later this week for the kids. I’ll let you know how it goes xx
Lauren @ createbakemake says
Haha, thanks Renee! Really you need to be thanking pintrest and my unhealthy obsession with it! I came across this recipe when I was looking for first birthday party ideas! Can’t wait to hear how it goes!
Denise Mooney says
Oh thank you Lauren, I needed something for tonight and this is perfect! This should keep the little one happy:-)
Lauren @ createbakemake says
Thank you Denise, I hope you little one likes it x
Christy says
Thanks for this – I will try this with Abi sometime, she will only eat it if it is called ‘chicken’ and looks like you can prepare this ahead of time.
Lauren @ createbakemake says
Haha, my toddler is a little obsessed with chicken too. I gave him crumbed fish the other night and told him they were special chicken nuggets. It certainly can be made ahead, and I think you would be able to freeze it too.
bodyandfeetretreat says
Now I wish I had this for lunch instead of left over chicken and rice !!! It looks delicious !
Thank you for sharing the recipe.
Have a great day !
Me
Lauren @ createbakemake says
Leftover chicken and rice sounds yum! Thanks for your lovely comment and for visiting. I hope you have a great day too x
Sam Stone says
We love pasta in the house and especially bakes. I am going to give this a go next week.
Lauren @ createbakemake says
We’re big pasta fans here too. My boys just love their carbs!
Janet aka Middle Aged Mama says
Looks yummy 🙂
Visiting today from #teamIBOT xxx
Lauren @ createbakemake says
Thanks Janet 🙂
EssentiallyJess says
We love pasta bake around here. It’s one of our go to meals every couple of weeks. Everyone eats it, and it’s just so easy!!!
Lauren @ createbakemake says
We have it pretty regularly too, I sometimes feel guilty when I’m dishing it up AGAIN (like I am tonight!)
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me says
YES fussy kids, but they do eat a pasta bake and I’ve never thought of putting bbq sauce in it – my kids also have their dad to thank for this obsession! My kids just prefer to put their food in their hair!!!!!
Lauren @ createbakemake says
What is it with guys and BBQ sauce? I just don’t get it!! Food in their hair?!?! Meal times at your place sound fun!
Malinda says
This looks simple and delicious – thanks for sharing
[email protected] LIfe Love and Hiccups says
Thankfully my boys are not too fussy, although one isnt to keen on eating meat because he is a lazy chewer. i think though, they would wolf this up! BIG time xx
Heather Bruce says
Hi there
I have just found this recipe, can it be frozen? We have an active household and need meals that can be re-heated.
Thanks
Lauren Matheson says
Hi Heather, yes it sure can be frozen 🙂
Heather Bruce says
Thanks Lauren, I look forward to trying it.