Description
One-Pan Monterey Chicken Pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful spices, gooey cheeses, and savory bacon. This one-pan meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Pasta:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces penne pasta, uncooked
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
Cheese and Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large deep skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same pan, add diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Cook Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and uncooked penne pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir in Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses until melted and creamy. Top with crumbled bacon and chopped green onions. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, top with a drizzle of barbecue sauce before serving.
- Swap penne for your favorite short pasta shape if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
