Description

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, flavorful one-pan pasta dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with aromatic spices, sautéed onions, and garlic, all tossed in a rich sauce made from chicken broth and heavy cream. Topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese, this comforting meal combines the classic appeal of cheesy pasta with the savory goodness of seasoned chicken, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 ounces spaghetti

Chicken & Seasonings

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Vegetables & Aromatics

1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids & Fats

1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter

Cheese

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Season the chicken breasts evenly with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Make Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Combine Chicken and Pasta: Slice or shred the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet along with the cooked spaghetti. Toss everything together carefully to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy sauce.
Add Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the cheese to melt for 2-3 minutes over low heat.
Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti warm for a delicious, hearty meal.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Monterey Jack cheese to ensure smooth melting.
You can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
Adjust seasoning to taste, especially the salt and pepper, depending on your preference.
Use a large skillet or sauté pan for even cooking and to accommodate all ingredients comfortably.
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.