Smoky Pulled Pork Pasta Bake: A Comforting Fusion of BBQ and Italian Flavors

Pulled Pork Pasta Bake

Introduction

Few dishes deliver weeknight comfort and crowd-pleasing flavor quite like a Pulled Pork Pasta Bake. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender shreds of slow-cooked pork, and perfectly baked pasta, this casserole combines smoky barbecue notes with Italian-inspired heartiness. It’s a breeze to make, adaptable to what you have on hand, and always leaves a table full of happy eaters.

Why Pulled Pork Pasta Bake Should Be Your Next Family Favorite

This bake isn’t just another casserole—it’s a fusion of barbecue and pasta, earning raves for its balance of smoky, savory, and cheesy flavors. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover pulled pork, making it both economically and time efficient. The crisped top layer hides an irresistibly creamy interior, offering the kind of texture that keeps forkfuls disappearing fast.

The Art of Preparing Pulled Pork for Pasta Bake

Start with pulled pork that’s moist and well-shredded. If you’re working with leftovers, use a Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen, Elegant Black to make quick work of any remaining chunks, resulting in an even, tender texture throughout your bake.

Don’t have cooked pork on hand? An Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart makes preparing fall-apart pulled pork quick and hands-off. Season a pork shoulder, cook until shreddable, and you’re set.

How to Build Flavor and Layer Your Pasta Bake

Sauté onions, peppers, or any vegetables you like—using the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch for effortless browning and easy cleanup. Mix the cooked pasta, shredded pork, sautéed veggies, and barbecue sauce in a large bowl or directly in your casserole dish. Scatter in your favorite cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work beautifully) and toss to combine.

For prepping veggies in a flash, the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper can dice onions and peppers with minimal effort and uniform results.

Bake and Serve for Ultimate Comfort

Transfer everything to a baking dish lined with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, 45 Square Feet for stress-free cleanup and perfect slice removal. Top liberally with cheese and bake until bubbly and golden on top.

Serve your Pulled Pork Pasta Bake straight from the oven, garnished with green onions or fresh herbs. Pair it with a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.

Nutritional Information and Yield

This recipe yields about 6 hearty servings. Each portion delivers a balance of protein, carbs, and cheesy comfort, with calories varying depending on your choice of cheese, sauce, and pasta type. For a lighter bake, swap in whole-grain pasta and reduced-fat cheese.

Ingredients

Ingredients

– 12 oz uncooked pasta (ziti, penne, or rotini)
– 2 cups cooked pulled pork
– 2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese, divided
– 1 cup barbecue sauce
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup sour cream or ricotta cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Sliced green onions or fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy cleanup.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta to al dente according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
  3. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic, sautéing for 4–5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  4. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, pulled pork (shredded using the Chicken Shredder Tool Twist if needed), sautéed veggies, barbecue sauce, 1 ½ cups cheese, sour cream, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until thoroughly combined.
  5. Spread mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top.
  6. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and the casserole is bubbling.
  7. Remove from the oven using a KitchenAid Ribbed Soft Silicone Oven Mitt Set for protection. Cool for 5 minutes before topping with green onions or parsley and serving.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Pulled Pork Pasta Bake Recap

With its smoky pulled pork, rich cheese, and tangy barbecue sauce all nestled in perfectly baked pasta, this Pulled Pork Pasta Bake hits every comfort food craving. It’s a reliable, crowd-pleasing dish ideal for busy families or casual gatherings—easy to assemble and always loaded with flavor.

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