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Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Pasta

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Pasta: Comfort in Every Bite

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Pasta is a comforting dish combining tender chicken with Monterey Jack cheese in a silky sauce, perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz spaghetti or linguine or fettuccine
For the Chicken
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts can use rotisserie chicken
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth low-sodium preferred
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter version
For Cooking
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Large skillet
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the spaghetti. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. When done, reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set it aside in a large bowl. Make sure it doesn't stick together by tossing it lightly with a drizzle of olive oil.
  2. Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
  3. Cook the Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  4. Create the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, stirring well. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
  5. Combine Chicken and Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti and sautéed chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated. If too thick, add reserved pasta water.
  6. Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the mixture, cover, and cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Once melted, sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce's consistency.

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