Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Introduction

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, comforting dish combining tender chicken, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s an easy one-pan recipe that’s great for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti, cooked al dente
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce thicken slightly, about 5 minutes.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked spaghetti and chicken back into the skillet. Toss to combine until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the onion and garlic.
• Substitute Monterey Jack cheese with mozzarella or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for a different cheesy twist.
• Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra vegetables.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer. Penne, fettuccine, or even shells work well with this creamy sauce.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and replace Monterey Jack cheese with a dairy-free cheese or omit it altogether.

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 126 reviews

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and a flavorful sauce made with garlic, onions, and a touch of paprika. This skillet recipe comes together quickly using simple ingredients, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 ounces spaghetti, cooked al dente

Chicken

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

Sauce & Seasonings

• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the 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 chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from 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. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to thicken slightly, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Combine pasta and chicken: Add the cooked spaghetti and chicken pieces back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce.
6. Melt the cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the skillet contents. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 2-3 minutes off the heat or on very low heat until the cheese melts.
7. Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti warm.

Notes

• To prevent the cheese from sticking, cover the skillet tightly when melting the cheese.
• You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
• For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.

Keywords: Monterey Chicken Spaghetti, creamy chicken pasta, Monterey Jack cheese spaghetti, quick chicken dinner, creamy skillet pasta