Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

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There’s something special about combining tender chicken, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked spaghetti to create a dish that’s comforting and delicious. Monterey Chicken Spaghetti brings all those elements together, topped off with savory seasonings and fresh herbs for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.

This recipe is a hearty twist on traditional spaghetti, featuring juicy chicken pieces cooked to golden perfection and tossed in a flavorful sauce. It’s then finished with a cheesy Monterey Jack topping that melts beautifully into the pasta. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so irresistible and how easy it is to prepare!

Why You’ll Love This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this recipe! Here are just a few highlights to get you excited:

• Juicy Chicken: Tender chicken pieces seasoned to perfection are the star of the dish, providing a delicious protein-packed bite.
• Creamy Cheese: Monterey Jack cheese melts smoothly into the sauce, creating a creamy, rich texture that coats every strand of spaghetti.
• Bold Flavors: A combination of garlic, onions, and spices enhances the dish with layers of savory goodness.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it a great choice for weeknight meals.
• Customizable: Swap out the spaghetti for your favorite pasta, add veggies, or spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes!

Ingredients for Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Let’s start with the ingredients that make this dish shine. These fresh and flavorful components come together to create a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying meal.

• Spaghetti – 12 ounces of your favorite spaghetti, cooked al dente. The pasta serves as the perfect base, absorbing the creamy sauce.
• Chicken Breasts – 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. Juicy chicken pieces are seasoned and pan-seared to golden perfection.
• Monterey Jack Cheese – 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese. This cheese melts beautifully, adding creaminess and a slightly tangy flavor.
• Onion – 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped. It brings a touch of sweetness and depth to the dish.
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is essential for infusing the dish with bold, aromatic flavor.
• Chicken Broth – 1 cup, used to create a light, flavorful base for the sauce.
• Heavy Cream – 1/2 cup, to make the sauce rich and velvety.
• Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons, for cooking the chicken and sautéing the aromatics.
• Butter – 1 tablespoon, added for extra richness and flavor.
• Seasonings – 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and salt and black pepper to taste. These seasonings enhance the flavor of the chicken and sauce.
• Fresh Parsley – For garnish, adding a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the finished dish.

How to Make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Ready to make this flavor-packed pasta dish? Follow these simple steps to bring it all together:

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Add the cooked spaghetti and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce and the chicken is evenly distributed.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese melts beautifully over the pasta.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti warm, and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!

How Long to Cook Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Timing is everything when it comes to getting this dish just right. Here’s a breakdown of the cooking times to ensure perfect results:

• Spaghetti – Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Chicken – Pan-sear the chicken pieces for 5-7 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and fully cooked. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Sauce – Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes to allow it to thicken slightly before adding the pasta and chicken.
• Cheese – Once the cheese is added, cover the skillet for 2-3 minutes to let it melt smoothly over the pasta.

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How to Store Leftovers

This dish is just as delicious the next day! Here’s how to store and reheat it:

• Refrigerator – Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheat – To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to the pasta and warm it gently in a skillet over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Freezer – While not ideal for freezing due to the creamy sauce, you can freeze portions in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Tips for Perfect Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Here are a few helpful tips to ensure your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti turns out perfectly every time:

1. Cook the Pasta Al Dente – This prevents the spaghetti from becoming too soft when tossed with the sauce.
2. Season the Chicken Well – The combination of paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper adds bold flavor to the chicken. Adjust spices to your preference.
3. Use Fresh Cheese – Shred the Monterey Jack cheese yourself for the best melt and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese can have additives that affect melting.
4. Don’t Overcook the Sauce – Simmer the sauce just long enough to thicken slightly. Overcooking can make it too thick or curdle the cream.
5. Customize the Recipe – Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor. A dash of red pepper flakes can give it a spicy kick!

With these tips, your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti will be irresistibly creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.

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