Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gather your baking dish and other ingredients for a smooth cooking experience.

In a large pot of salted water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, cream or milk, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and half of the cheddar cheese. Stir until well coated.

Taste the mixture and season it with salt and pepper to your liking.

Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. Transfer the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese generously over the pasta mixture.

If using breadcrumbs, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet and sauté breadcrumbs until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Then sprinkle over the cheese topping.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving, optionally garnishing with chopped green onions.