Description
Savor the delicious Monterey Chicken Pasta, a quick weeknight meal featuring tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy barbecue sauce, all topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese. Perfectly satisfying and easy to prepare!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz. penne pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, green, and yellow)
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 10-12 minutes).
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the diced bell peppers for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the corn and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Return the sliced chicken to the skillet. Pour in the barbecue sauce and stir to combine. If the mixture is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Add the cooked penne pasta, tossing everything together until well coated. Adjust consistency with more reserved pasta water if needed.
- Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet and cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with cilantro if using. Serve hot, either directly from the skillet or plated individually. Add extra barbecue sauce on top if desired.
Notes
- For a healthier option, substitute penne pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes