Description
This Creamy Monterey Chicken Pasta is a delightful and easy weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, and a luscious sauce made with heavy cream, chicken broth, and melted Monterey Jack cheese. Infused with aromatic garlic, onions, and Italian seasonings, this dish is both comforting and flavorful, perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti, cooked to al dente
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Vegetables
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquid Ingredients
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Fats & Oils
- 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
- Prepare Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water following package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Sear and Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken pieces with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken to skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Prepare Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce gently simmer for approximately 5 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked spaghetti and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything thoroughly to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Melt Cheese: Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth and gooey.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot for a comforting and creamy chicken pasta meal.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Monterey Jack cheese for best melting and flavor.
- For extra richness, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if desired.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for more nutrients and color.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper based on taste preferences.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
