Chicken And Pepper Cheese Sauce
A flavorful chicken and pepper pasta in a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for a hearty, spicy meal that combines tender chicken, colorful peppers, and melted Monterey Jack cheese.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. ground red pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 to 1/4 tsp. ground white pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 to 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper ⓘ
- 2 whole medium chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 1 Tbsp. seeded, chopped jalapeno pepper ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 3/4 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 c. milk
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 c. dairy sour cream ⓘ
- 8 oz. linguine, cooked ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine 1 tablespoon of the flour, salt, ground red pepper, white pepper, and black pepper; toss with chicken to coat.
- In a 10-inch skillet, cook chicken pieces in hot oil for 4 to 5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from skillet; add chopped onion, chopped red pepper, chopped jalapeno, and minced garlic to the skillet.
- Cook until vegetables are tender, then stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour.
- Add chicken broth, milk, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet; cook until mixture thickens slightly.
- Stir in shredded Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth.
- Mix 1 cup of hot cheese mixture into sour cream until well combined.
- Return mixture to skillet, add cooked chicken, and heat through without boiling.
- Serve the chicken and pepper cheese sauce over cooked linguine.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of jalapeno or omit it altogether. To save time, use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. Be sure to stir the cheese in slowly to ensure it melts smoothly without clumping, which is crucial for this rich flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful chicken and pepper cheese sauce over linguine for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color and flavor. This dish is also perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if necessary. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it can lead to uneven heating and tough chicken pieces.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Pepper Cheese Sauce contains roughly 517 calories, with 11g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (133% of the Daily Value), iron (51% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2293mg per serving (100% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and cheese sauce in advance. Just store it separately from the linguine and refrigerate. When you're ready to serve, reheat the sauce and combine it with freshly cooked pasta for the best texture.
What can I substitute for Monterey Jack cheese?
If you don't have Monterey Jack cheese, you can use Cheddar or Pepper Jack for a spicier kick. Both will melt well and complement the flavors of the sauce, maintaining its creamy texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian adaptation that retains the dish's creamy texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).