One-Pan Monterey Chicken Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Monterey Chicken Pasta is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, smoky bacon, tangy barbecue sauce, and melty Monterey Jack cheese, all cooked together with pasta in one skillet. This recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
bacon
Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
penne or rotini pasta
barbecue sauce
chicken broth
garlic
onion
olive oil
salt
pepper
green onions (for garnish)

directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving some drippings in the pan.

Season chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet and sear until browned on both sides. Remove and slice.

In the same skillet, sauté diced onion and minced garlic until softened.

Add dry pasta, chicken broth, and barbecue sauce. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until pasta is cooked through and most of the liquid is absorbed (about 12-15 minutes).

Stir in sliced chicken and shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Mix until cheese is melted and everything is heated through.

Top with crumbled bacon and chopped green onions before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves 4-6
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use smoked gouda or cheddar for a different cheesy twist.
Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Substitute turkey bacon for a lighter version.
Use spicy barbecue sauce if you like a kick of heat.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or in the microwave until hot.
Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like fusilli, elbows, or farfalle will work.

What barbecue sauce works best?
Use your favorite brand—sweet, smoky, or spicy depending on your taste.

Can I make it without bacon?
Yes, but bacon adds extra flavor. Consider using smoked paprika as a substitute.

Is Monterey Jack cheese necessary?
It’s ideal for its meltiness, but mozzarella or pepper jack also work.

Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Corn, spinach, or diced tomatoes make great additions.

Is this dish spicy?
Not inherently, but you can spice it up with hot sauce or spicy BBQ sauce.

What if my pasta isn’t fully cooked?
Add a bit more broth and simmer a few extra minutes.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and makes great leftovers.

Is it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and check that your BBQ sauce is gluten-free.

What pan should I use?
A large, deep skillet with a lid or a sauté pan works best.

Conclusion

One-Pan Monterey Chicken Pasta is a delicious, fuss-free meal that brings together creamy, cheesy, smoky, and savory flavors in every bite. With just one pan and simple ingredients, it’s a convenient and satisfying option for any night of the week.

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