Description
Looking for a creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying dinner idea? This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate easy recipe that blends juicy seasoned chicken, tender pasta, and melty Monterey Jack cheese into a perfect weeknight comfort meal. Whether you’re after a quick dinner, a cozy family favorite, or delicious food ideas for guests, this recipe delivers all the bold flavors in under 30 minutes. It’s one of those quick meals that taste like they took all day—ideal for both busy weeknights and lazy weekends.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
8 oz spaghetti
1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
3 cloves garlic minced
1 medium yellow onion diced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
¾ cup chicken broth
¼ cup heavy cream optional
Instructions
1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Add remaining olive oil to the same pan. Sauté the diced onion until soft, about 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
6. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, followed by the cooked spaghetti. Toss well to combine.
7. Stir in heavy cream if using, then add shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Mix until melted and smooth.
8. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For the best flavor and texture, use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded.
Don’t forget to reserve pasta water—it’s key to achieving a silky, restaurant-style sauce.
To lighten the dish, use half-and-half or skip the cream altogether and rely on cheese for richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1½ cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: easy dinner, creamy chicken pasta, family recipe, comfort food, quick chicken recipes