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Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 21 reviews

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting, cheesy pasta dish featuring tender chicken breasts, creamy Monterey Jack cheese, and al dente spaghetti tossed in a rich, flavorful sauce made with chicken broth and heavy cream. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, delivering a hearty and satisfying meal with bold seasonings and a fresh parsley garnish.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti and Chicken

  • 12 ounces spaghetti, cooked al dente
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Aromatics and Sauce

  • 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

Seasonings

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

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  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, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  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 with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Create the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let the sauce thicken slightly for about 5 minutes.
  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.
  6. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted beautifully over the pasta.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti warm and enjoy the cheesy, savory flavors.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the dish.
  • If you enjoy a spicy kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
  • For a crunchy texture, top the dish with toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Monterey Chicken Spaghetti, cheesy chicken pasta, creamy spaghetti recipe, weeknight dinner, easy chicken pasta dish

Find it online: https://kitchenwithkai.com/monterey-chicken-spaghetti-recipe/