Monterey Chicken Pasta: A Delicious Recipe for a Quick Dinner

Monterey Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of grilled chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, creating a meal that is both satisfying and comforting. As someone who has always been passionate about cooking, I find that this recipe not only tantalizes the taste buds but also evokes a sense of nostalgia. Originating from the beautiful coastal town of Monterey, California, this dish reflects the region’s love for fresh ingredients and hearty meals.

People adore Monterey Chicken Pasta for its incredible taste and texture; the tender chicken pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce, while the pasta adds a delightful chewiness that makes every bite enjoyable. Additionally, this recipe is incredibly convenient, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, Monterey Chicken Pasta is sure to impress your family and friends, leaving them asking for seconds!

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces of penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, green, and yellow)
• 1 cup corn kernels (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)

Preparing the Pasta

1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This will be used to cook the penne pasta.
2. Once the water is boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes.
3. While the pasta is cooking, make sure to stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking together.
4. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. You can drizzle a little olive oil over it to keep it from sticking while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Preparing the Chicken

1. While the pasta is cooking, take the chicken breasts and place them on a cutting board. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness, about 1 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This will be your seasoning mix.
3. Rub the seasoning mix all over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.
4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet.
5. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is golden brown. If the chicken is browning too quickly, reduce the heat to medium.
6. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

Cooking the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the diced bell peppers and corn. Sauté them over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and slightly caramelized.
2. Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and stir everything together. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the tomatoes through.
3. Once the vegetables are cooked, return the sliced chicken to the skillet and pour in the barbecue sauce. Stir everything together until the chicken and vegetables are well coated with the sauce.

Combining the Pasta and Sauce

1. Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the chicken and vegetables.
2. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the barbecue sauce and mixed with the chicken and veggies.
3. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving the Dish

1. Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from the heat. If you like, you can garnish the dish with chopped fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.
2. Serve the Monterey Chicken Pasta hot, either directly from the skillet or plated individually. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some garlic bread.
3. Enjoy your delicious Monterey Chicken Pasta with family and friends! It’s a hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Tips and Variations

• If you want to add more veggies, consider including zucchini, spinach

  Conclusion:

  In summary, this Monterey Chicken Pasta recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinners with a burst of flavor and comfort. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and vibrant vegetables creates a dish that is not only satisfying but also visually appealing. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily swap out the chicken for shrimp or even make it vegetarian by using grilled vegetables or tofu. For a fun twist, consider adding some sun-dried tomatoes or a sprinkle of feta cheese for an extra layer of flavor. Serve it alongside a fresh garden salad or some garlic bread to round out the meal perfectly. I encourage you to give this Monterey Chicken Pasta a try and make it your own! Don’t forget to share your experience and any variations you come up with. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Happy cooking! Print
  

  Monterey Chicken Pasta: A Delicious Recipe for a Quick Dinner

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  • Author: chefkiwi
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

  Print Recipe

  Pin Recipe

  Description

  Savor the deliciousness of Monterey Chicken Pasta, a comforting dish featuring tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, sweet corn, and a zesty barbecue sauce, all mixed with penne pasta and topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings!

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  Ingredients

  Scale 1x2x3x

  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, green, and yellow)
  • 1 cup corn kernels (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)

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  Instructions

  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 10-12 minutes), stirring occasionally.
  3. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside. Drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1 inch.
  5. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  6. Rub the seasoning mix all over the chicken breasts.
  7. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the seasoned chicken.
  8. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is golden brown. Adjust heat if necessary.
  9. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing into strips.
  10. In the same skillet, add diced bell peppers and corn. Sauté over medium heat for about 5 minutes until tender.
  11. Add diced tomatoes and stir, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  12. Return sliced chicken to the skillet and pour in the barbecue sauce, stirring to coat everything.
  13. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the chicken and vegetables.
  14. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
  15. Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top, cover, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
  16. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
  17. Serve hot, either directly from the skillet or plated individually. Enjoy with a side salad or garlic bread!

  Notes

  • Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition.
  • You can substitute the Monterey Jack cheese with cheddar or your favorite cheese.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes