Loaded BBQ Bacon Chicken Pasta Bake, Made Easy

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
• While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
• In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated.
• Add the cooked penne pasta, corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, green onions, and half of the chopped turkey bacon into the chicken mixture. Toss gently to combine everything.
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top, followed by the remaining turkey bacon pieces.
• Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges start to brown slightly.
• Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to scoop onto plates.