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!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 10-12 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside. Drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1 inch.
- In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the seasoning mix all over the chicken breasts.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the seasoned chicken.
- 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.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing into strips.
- In the same skillet, add diced bell peppers and corn. Sauté over medium heat for about 5 minutes until tender.
- Add diced tomatoes and stir, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Return sliced chicken to the skillet and pour in the barbecue sauce, stirring to coat everything.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the chicken and vegetables.
- Toss gently to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top, cover, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
- 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