Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is an indulgent and satisfying meal that combines the perfect balance of creamy texture and savory flavors. The chicken is perfectly seasoned and sautéed, while the sauce, made with chicken broth, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning, envelops the pasta in richness. Topping it off with melted Monterey Jack cheese gives the dish a wonderful gooey finish. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for guests, this recipe is sure to impress with its comforting flavors and easy preparation.

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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little bit of pasta water in case you need it later.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, or until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce slightly. Then, stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens a little.
5. Combine the Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to combine. Toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce, ensuring that the pasta is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to thin it out.
6. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the pasta and stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add Veggies: You can add sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the dish for extra flavor and texture.
• Spicy Version: Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish a little kick.
• Different Cheese: Try substituting Monterey Jack cheese with cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Make it Lighter: To lighten up the recipe, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk and use a low-fat cheese.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the spaghetti in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave it, stirring occasionally to ensure even reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While spaghetti is traditional, you can use other types of pasta such as fettuccine, penne, or linguine. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While the dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. When you’re ready to serve, reheat and toss with the cooked spaghetti and cheese.

3. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving shortcut. Just shred or cube the chicken and add it to the sauce in step 5.

4. How can I make this dish spicier?

To add more spice, include red pepper flakes in the sauce or stir in a bit of hot sauce to your liking. You could also use spicy paprika for an extra kick.

5. Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap the spaghetti for gluten-free pasta and check that the chicken broth is gluten-free.

6. Can I freeze Monterey Chicken Spaghetti?

While freezing is possible, the texture of the creamy sauce may change when reheated. If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. When reheating, add a bit of broth to restore the creaminess.

7. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make the dish dairy-free, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use dairy-free cheese for the topping.

8. How can I make the sauce richer?

For a richer sauce, add an extra tablespoon of butter or a little extra heavy cream. You can also use full-fat coconut milk as a substitute for heavy cream for a creamier consistency.

9. How do I prevent the sauce from being too runny?

If the sauce is too runny, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to allow it to reduce. Alternatively, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken it.

10. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can also add some plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.

Conclusion

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a rich, creamy, and cheesy pasta dish that combines the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tender chicken, savory spices, and the luscious sauce will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s a comforting dish that’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights or special occasions. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe will be a guaranteed hit!

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