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Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

4.8 from 7 reviews

This creamy and comforting Monterey Chicken Spaghetti features tender chicken breast pieces cooked with garlic and onions in a rich, velvety sauce made from chicken broth and heavy cream. Combined with al dente spaghetti and melted Monterey Jack cheese, this dish is perfect for a satisfying family dinner that comes together quickly and easily.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 ounces spaghetti, cooked al dente

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Liquids & Fats

  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Spices & Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté onions and garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Make the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and let the sauce thicken slightly for about 5 minutes.
  5. Combine pasta and chicken: Add the cooked spaghetti and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
  6. Add cheese and melt: Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet and let it sit off the heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt beautifully.
  7. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm for a delicious, comforting meal.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning.
  • If you prefer a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy alternative, noting the sauce may be less rich.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
  • Feel free to swap Monterey Jack cheese with mozzarella or cheddar for a different cheesy flavor.
  • To make this dish gluten-free, substitute spaghetti with gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: Monterey Chicken Spaghetti, creamy chicken pasta, easy chicken dinner, cheesy spaghetti recipe, comfort food pasta