Description
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish featuring tender diced chicken seasoned with aromatic spices, mixed with sautéed onions, garlic, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a rich sauce made from heavy cream, cream cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese. Tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti and crispy bacon, this comforting American main course is garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
Liquids and Dairy
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cooked crumbled bacon
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and season it evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken until it is browned on all sides and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions become soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Add the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until all the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Toss Spaghetti in Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Add Bacon and Finish Cooking: Stir in the cooked crumbled bacon and cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley on top for freshness. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- For an extra kick of flavor, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Using rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts can save time and add depth of flavor.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and creates a creamier sauce than pre-shredded cheese which often contains anti-caking agents.
