Spicy Creamy Chicken Penne with Pepper Jack and Bacon
Indulge in a luxurious pasta dish that brings together the delightful creaminess of Pepper Jack cheese, savory bacon, and tender chicken. This Spicy Creamy Chicken Penne with Pepper Jack and Bacon is a revamped version of the classic Monterey Chicken that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. The combination of fresh vegetables, rich flavors, and a subtle kick from jalapeños makes this dish a perfect option for a cozy family dinner or an impressive gathering with friends. Enjoy a bowl of comfort with this delicious recipe that serves six and pairs perfectly with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon
3 slices (cooked until semi-crisp, crumbled)
chicken breasts
2 boneless (halved lengthwise and sliced to desired thickness)
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
onion
1 small (diced)
red bell pepper
1/2 (diced)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
jalapeno pepper
1 (chopped and seeded if desired)
flour
3 tablespoons (all-purpose)
chicken broth
1 cup (divided)
milk
1/2 cup (whole or as preferred)
shredded Monterey Jack pepper cheese
1 cup (for melting)
sour cream
1/4 cup (for creaminess)
cayenne pepper
1 pinch (for heat)
penne pasta
16 ounces (cooked according to package instructions)
green onions
3 (tops thinly sliced for garnish)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Creamy Chicken Penne with Pepper Jack and Bacon?
It is a luxurious pasta dish featuring tender chicken, savory bacon, and a creamy sauce made with Pepper Jack cheese, providing a modern twist on classic Monterey Chicken.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve six people.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 16 ounces of penne pasta, though similar shapes like rotini could be used.
Is this dish very spicy?
It has a subtle kick due to the Pepper Jack cheese, one jalapeño pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
How much chicken is required?
You will need 2 boneless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise and sliced to your desired thickness.
What kind of cheese is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack pepper cheese (commonly known as Pepper Jack).
How much bacon should I prepare?
The recipe calls for 3 slices of bacon, cooked until semi-crisp and then crumbled.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The dish includes one small diced onion, half of a red bell pepper, and a jalapeño pepper.
How is the sauce thickened?
The sauce is thickened using 2 tablespoons of butter and 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to create a roux base.
What liquids are used for the creamy sauce?
The sauce utilizes 1 cup of chicken broth and 1/2 cup of milk.
Is there sour cream in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of sour cream is added to provide extra creaminess to the final dish.
How much garlic do I need?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
Can I adjust the heat level of the jalapeño?
Yes, you can seed the jalapeño before chopping it to reduce the heat level.
What should I serve with this pasta?
This dish pairs perfectly with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
What is used for the garnish?
The recipe recommends using the thinly sliced tops of 3 green onions as a garnish.
What kind of milk should I use?
Whole milk is suggested, but you can use any milk of your preference.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
Is there any cayenne pepper in this dish?
Yes, a single pinch of cayenne pepper is added for a touch of extra heat.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe, making it suitable for a weeknight dinner.
Can I use a different color of bell pepper?
While the recipe specifies red bell pepper for color and flavor, you can substitute with yellow or orange bell peppers.
How should the onion be prepared?
One small onion should be finely diced before being added to the sauce base.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, fiber is provided by the pasta and fresh vegetables, though specific nutritional values are not listed.
What is the texture of the bacon?
The bacon should be cooked until semi-crisp so it maintains a bit of texture within the creamy sauce.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, you would need to omit the chicken and bacon and substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Is the chicken broth added all at once?
The recipe specifies that the 1 cup of chicken broth should be divided.
What makes this a 'comfort food' dish?
The combination of rich cheese, heavy pasta, savory bacon, and sour cream creates a hearty and satisfying meal.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, though freshly shredded Pepper Jack cheese often melts more smoothly into the sauce.
How do I prepare the penne?
The penne should be cooked according to the instructions on the package before being tossed with the sauce.
Is this dish suitable for guests?
Absolutely, its luxurious texture and flavor profile make it an impressive choice for gatherings with friends.
What is the main flavor profile of this dish?
The profile is savory and creamy with a mild spicy kick and smoky notes from the bacon.