Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

If you are searching for a comforting dinner that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with tender, flavorful chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, then Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is the dish you need! This vibrant, hearty meal wraps tender bits of pan-seared chicken and sinfully gooey Monterey Jack cheese around al dente spaghetti, all enveloped in a luscious, savory sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re craving an easy weeknight meal or entertaining friends, Monterey Chicken Spaghetti brings irresistible flavor and satisfaction in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti calls for simple, fresh ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating a dish packed with flavor, wonderful texture, and eye-catching color. Each component is easy to find but essential to achieving that perfect balance of creaminess, savoriness, and heartiness this dish is celebrated for.

• Spaghetti: 12 ounces of your favorite spaghetti cooked al dente, providing the perfect base to soak up all those luscious flavors.
• Chicken Breasts: 2 large boneless, skinless breasts cut into bite-sized pieces for juicy and tender protein throughout the dish.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: 1 cup shredded cheese that melts beautifully and adds creamy tanginess.
• Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped for a sweet depth that enhances the sauce.
• Garlic: 3 cloves minced, essential for aromatic, savory notes that elevate the flavor profile.
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup to build a light but flavorful sauce base that keeps the dish moist.
• Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup adds richness and velvety texture, pulling everything together.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for cooking the chicken and sautéing aromatics without overpowering flavors.
• Butter: 1 tablespoon adds a subtle richness and rounds out the flavors in the sauce.
• Seasonings: 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and salt and black pepper to taste bring bold, complementary spices to the chicken and sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: A handful for garnish, providing a pop of bright color and freshness to finish the dish beautifully.

How to Make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until it’s just al dente—this slight firmness will hold up perfectly when mixed with the creamy sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside so it’s ready for the final assembly.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your bite-sized chicken pieces generously with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until each piece turns golden brown and is cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. This step ensures your chicken is juicy inside with a nice sear on the outside which infuses incredible flavor.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent, offering a sweet foundation to your sauce. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds—just long enough to release those irresistible fragrant aromas.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Pour in the cup of chicken broth and half a cup of heavy cream, stirring gently to combine all the ingredients. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and then reduce the heat to low. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly for about 5 minutes while stirring occasionally. This creamy base is loaded with flavor and will cling perfectly to the spaghetti and chicken.

Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Return the cooked spaghetti and the golden chicken pieces to the skillet with your rich sauce. Toss everything thoroughly so the pasta is evenly coated and the chicken is distributed in every forkful. This is where the magic happens — the creamy sauce transforms the humble spaghetti into a decadent dish.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. Cover your skillet with a lid and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes off the heat, giving the cheese enough time to melt beautifully over the warm pasta. This finishing touch provides that creamy, gooey bliss that makes Monterey Chicken Spaghetti so addictive.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish your dish with fresh chopped parsley. The green freshness provides a lovely contrast to the creamy, cheesy pasta. Serve Monterey Chicken Spaghetti warm and watch everyone dig in eagerly for seconds!

How to Serve Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Garnishes

Fresh parsley sprinkled on top is the classic choice, adding not just a vibrant color pop but also a light herbaceous note to balance the creaminess. For a bit of texture and flavor contrast, you can also try toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers sprinkled right before serving to give a subtle crunch.

Side Dishes

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, such as a simple mixed greens salad with a citrus vinaigrette or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also complement the richness while adding healthy greens to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to elevate the presentation, serve the dish in shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce and melting cheese. For family-style meals, prepare it in a large cast-iron skillet and bring it right to the table so everyone can scoop their portions. You might also try sprinkling some finely grated Parmesan or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for an extra layer of flavor right before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You’ll be thrilled to know Monterey Chicken Spaghetti tastes great as leftovers! Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it should keep well for up to 3 days without losing its creamy appeal.

Freezing

While freezing creamy pasta dishes can be tricky, you can freeze Monterey Chicken Spaghetti in portioned airtight containers for up to one month. Just keep in mind the texture may slightly change. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain the best flavor and consistency.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to refresh the sauce’s silky texture. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking and prevent overcooking the chicken. This method makes your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti almost as delicious as the first serving!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for Monterey Chicken Spaghetti?

Absolutely! While traditional spaghetti works wonderfully, you can substitute with fettuccine, penne, or even elbow macaroni. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to maintain that perfect al dente texture.

Is Monterey Chicken Spaghetti spicy?

This recipe is mild but flavorful thanks to the Italian seasoning and paprika. If you crave some heat, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper during seasoning can easily spice things up without overpowering the creamy elements.

Can I make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti vegetarian?

Yes, by swapping the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even chickpeas, you can create a delicious vegetarian version that still delivers plenty of comfort and flavor.

What can I add to boost the nutrition in this dish?

Adding sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms during the aromatics step can increase the vegetable content and add extra nutrients and flavor complexity to your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti.

Is Monterey Jack cheese necessary?

Monterey Jack cheese is preferred here for its creamy texture and mild tang, but if you can’t find it, mozzarella or mild white cheddar can be good alternatives that melt well and complement the sauce.

Final Thoughts

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is the kind of dish you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation, whether for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. It’s satisfyingly creamy, loaded with cheesy goodness, and bursting with tender chicken flavor. Give this recipe a try—you’ll find it becomes a beloved comfort food staple that brings warmth and joy with every forkful!

Print