One-Pan Monterey Chicken Pasta is a delicious and convenient dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe combines tender bowtie pasta, juicy rotisserie chicken, and a zesty mix of tomatoes with green chiles, all simmered in a savory chicken broth. A touch of barbecue sauce adds a delightful smokiness, while melted Monterey Jack cheese provides a creamy finish. Topped with crispy bacon and fresh green onions, this one-pan meal is a flavorful, easy-to-make dinner that will satisfy the whole family.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta (or other small pasta)
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (I prefer Better Than Bouillon base)
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and ensure the bacon is cooked and crumbled before starting.
- Cook Pasta: In a 12-inch skillet, add the pasta, diced tomatoes with green chiles (including the liquid), and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Once boiling, cover the skillet and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the pasta for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure all pasta pieces are covered and cooking evenly.
- Add Chicken: When the pasta is tender, remove the lid and stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken. Continue to cook for a couple of minutes until the chicken is heated through and any excess liquid has evaporated.
- Incorporate BBQ Sauce: Stir in the barbecue sauce, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
- Melt Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet with the lid and allow the cheese to melt.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the cheese is melted, sprinkle the crumbled bacon and sliced green onions on top. Serve immediately.
Tips
- Bacon Prep: Cook the bacon ahead of time to save on prep time. You can cook it in the microwave, oven, or stovetop based on your preference.
- Cheese Choices: Monterey Jack cheese provides a mild flavor, but you can use cheddar, a Mexican cheese blend, or even pepper jack for added spice.
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful, but any cooked and shredded chicken will work well in this recipe.
- BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite barbecue sauce to tailor the flavor to your liking. A smoky or spicy BBQ sauce can add a different dimension to the dish.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Notes
One-Pan Monterey Chicken Pasta is a versatile and forgiving recipe, making it an excellent choice for a quick and satisfying meal. The combination of pasta, chicken, cheese, and bacon ensures a comforting dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. Enjoy!
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