1-First Step: Cook Pasta and Prepare Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 8 oz of pasta shells or your preferred pasta for 8–9 minutes until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water. Drain pasta and set aside. Shred 16 oz of cooked BBQ chicken if not pre-shredded.

2-Second Step: Create Cheese Sauce
Over low heat, return the drained pasta to the pot. Add the reserved pasta water and 1 cup of milk, stirring gently to combine. Gradually fold in 8 oz of shredded cheese in small amounts, stirring continuously until a smooth, slightly runny cheese sauce forms. Season with ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper, and optional spices such as chipotle or garlic powder for enhanced flavor.

3-Third Step: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Stir the shredded BBQ chicken evenly into the pasta and cheese mixture, ensuring the chicken is well coated with the creamy sauce and evenly distributed among the pasta.

4-Fourth Step: Bake with Topping
Transfer the combined mixture to a greased baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Sprinkle the remaining 2 oz of shredded cheese evenly over the top. Optionally, drizzle additional BBQ sauce over the cheese for extra flavor and moisture.

5-Final Step: Bake and Serve
Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the dish is heated through. Avoid overbaking to maintain moisture and creamy texture. Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then serve warm, perhaps paired with vegetable sides for a balanced meal.