Description
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, comforting dish combining tender chicken breast, smoky turkey bacon, and plant-based cheese in a luscious sauce. This easy-to-make recipe uses simple ingredients and cooks quickly, perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, sliced into bite-size pieces
- 8 oz spaghetti (gluten-free or wheat)
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 cup plant-based cheese (melting type)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup natural tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup plant-based cream alternative
- 1 tbsp natural gelling agent
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 small onion, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the chicken breasts and slice the smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces. Mince the onion and garlic finely to ensure even cooking and release of aromas.
- Cook the Bacon and Aromatics: In a large skillet or pan over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp and golden. Remove onto a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. Using the same pan, add the diced onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant and translucent, absorbing the smoky bacon flavor left behind.
- Brown the Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the pan, cooking until browned on all sides but still juicy inside. This locks in moisture and builds the flavor base for the sauce.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Pour in vegetable broth, natural tomato sauce, plant-based cream, apple cider vinegar, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle in the natural gelling agent and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently to thicken, blending all flavors.
- Cook the Spaghetti: In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a small amount of pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti and crispy smoked turkey bacon back into the pan with the sauce and chicken. Toss gently to coat every strand with sauce. If too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve a silky texture.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a bright, fresh note. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Browning the chicken before simmering enhances moisture and flavor.
- Choose plant-based cheeses that melt well for creamy sauce results.
- Cook pasta until just al dente to avoid mushy texture when combined.
- Adjust sauce thickness carefully using the natural gelling agent.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to maintain vibrant color and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Monterey Chicken Spaghetti, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, creamy pasta, gluten free dinner, quick weeknight meal
