Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Pasta (Print)

Cheesy spaghetti with chicken, Monterey Jack, and a savory creamy sauce—warm, hearty, and ready in 35 minutes.

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 ounces spaghetti

→ Poultry

02 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Dairy

03 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
04 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
05 - 1 tablespoon butter

→ Aromatics

06 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
07 - 3 garlic cloves, minced

→ Liquids

08 - 1 cup chicken broth

→ Fats

09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Seasonings

10 - 1 teaspoon paprika
11 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
12 - Salt, to taste
13 - Black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

14 - Fresh parsley, for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Prepare spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken pieces with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and allow the sauce to thicken slightly, approximately 5 minutes.
05 - Return cooked spaghetti and chicken to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to ensure the pasta is completely coated in the sauce.
06 - Evenly sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top. Cover the skillet and let it rest for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
07 - Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish
  • Uses simple ingredients most home cooks already have
  • Perfect balance of creamy sauce and protein
  • Kid friendly while still satisfying adult palates
  • Versatile base recipe that welcomes customization
02 -
  • Excellent make ahead meal that reheats beautifully
  • Contains approximately 550 calories per serving
  • Can be assembled ahead and baked for a casserole variation
  • Perfect for meal prep lunches throughout the week
  • Freezes well for up to 3 months
03 -
  • For restaurant quality results, slightly undercook your pasta and finish cooking it directly in the sauce where it will absorb flavors while releasing starch that naturally thickens the sauce.
  • When storing leftovers, place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pasta to prevent it from drying out.
  • Warming your serving plates in a low oven before plating helps keep this dish at the perfect temperature longer, especially important for the melted cheese component.
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