Description
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a quick and comforting meal featuring tender shredded chicken, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese sauce brightened with apple cider vinegar and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. This easy-to-make dish combines protein, veggies, and pasta in one flavorful, creamy plate perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti pasta (gluten-free if preferred)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
Sauce & Seasonings
- 1 cup plant-based cream
- 1/4 cup plant-based cheese
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a skillet, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp and remove, reserving the drippings. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the bell peppers.
- Cook the Chicken and Vegetables: In the same skillet with turkey bacon drippings, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the bell peppers and cook until just tender. Stir in the shredded chicken to warm through and absorb flavors.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour plant-based cream, apple cider vinegar, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce into the skillet. Stir to combine. Sprinkle in the natural gelling agent, allowing the sauce to thicken on medium heat. Once thickened, stir in the plant-based cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti back to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat all strands with the sauce. Crumble the crispy turkey bacon over the top and gently mix.
- Final Touches: Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to taste. Let the dish simmer for 2 minutes to merge flavors. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Cook spaghetti just until al dente for best texture.
- Use turkey bacon drippings to add smoky depth.
- Do not skip the apple cider vinegar to brighten the rich sauce.
- Use fresh plant-based cheese for a creamier sauce.
- Best served immediately but can be stored refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Monterey Chicken Spaghetti, creamy chicken pasta, plant-based cheese pasta, turkey bacon pasta, quick dinner recipe
