Zesty Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe: A Family Favorite

Monterey chicken spaghetti dances with vibrant flavors that promise a delightful meal.

Southern comfort meets gourmet style in this creamy pasta creation.

Tender chicken pieces intertwine with perfectly cooked spaghetti strands.

Melted cheese creates a rich, luxurious coating that hugs each bite.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet impressive dish.

Cheesy, savory, and wonderfully satisfying, you’ll want to make this recipe again and again.

Prepare to be amazed by how quickly this crowd-pleaser comes together.

How to Store Monterey Chicken Spaghetti with Ease

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Pack portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual servings in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread leftovers in a baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture.

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti FAQs

• Are the chicken pieces seasoned before cooking?

Yes, the chicken is seasoned with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and thyme to enhance its flavor and create a delicious taste profile before being cooked in the skillet.

• Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Monterey Jack?

Monterey Jack works best for this recipe, but you can substitute with similar melting cheeses like mozzarella or mild cheddar if needed.

• Why do I need to deglaze the skillet with chicken broth?

Deglazing helps release the flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan’s bottom, which adds depth and richness to the sauce’s overall taste.

What Makes Monterey Chicken Spaghetti a Crowd Favorite

• Simplify Cooking: Tackle this one-pan chicken pasta dish that transforms complex cooking into a straightforward, manageable meal with minimal kitchen stress.
• Customize Your Plate: Easily swap ingredients like vegetables or cheese to match personal preferences, making this recipe adaptable for different taste buds and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Deliver a hearty, creamy pasta bake that satisfies hunger and provides a delicious meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
• Quick Family Favorite: Create a complete meal in under an hour with minimal prep work, ensuring a delectable dinner that keeps everyone happy and well-fed without spending hours in the kitchen.

What You’ll Need for Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender meat that provides the main protein source for this hearty dish.

• Spaghetti: A classic long pasta that serves as the perfect base for capturing the delicious sauce and chicken.

• Bell Peppers, Onions, Garlic: A flavor-packed combination that adds depth, sweetness, and aromatic notes to the recipe.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Dried Oregano, Thyme: Herbs that provide a warm, earthy undertone to the chicken and sauce.

• Chicken Broth: A rich liquid that helps deglaze the pan and builds depth in the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, smooth texture and adds richness to the sauce.

• Monterey Jack Cheese: A mild, melty cheese that provides a creamy topping and golden finish to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and preventing sticking, while adding a subtle flavor.

Step-by-Step for Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to 375°F and lightly coat a large baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Slice The Chicken

Cut chicken breasts into consistent bite-sized chunks to ensure uniform cooking throughout the dish.

Step 3: Sauté Colorful Vegetables

• Bell peppers (diced)
• Onions (chopped)
• Garlic (minced)

Sauté until vegetables become soft and release their aromatic flavors, approximately 4-5 minutes.

Step 4: Season And Cook Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried oregano
• Dried thyme

Cook until chicken turns golden brown and is fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare Pasta

Boil spaghetti in salted water following package directions until pasta reaches al dente texture. Drain and set aside.

Step 6: Create Creamy Sauce

Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up delicious browned bits from the pan’s bottom.

Step 7: Develop Sauce Texture

Stir in heavy cream and reduce heat, allowing sauce to simmer and slightly thicken for 3-4 minutes.

Step 8: Combine Ingredients

Mix cooked pasta, chicken, and vegetable mixture in the prepared baking dish, ensuring even distribution.

Step 9: Add Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese generously over the pasta mixture.

Step 10: Bake To Perfection

Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until cheese melts and turns slightly golden.

Step 11: Rest And Serve

Remove from oven and let dish rest for 5 minutes, allowing sauce to set and flavors to blend harmoniously before serving.

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Cooking Tips

• Prevent Overcooking Chicken: Cut pieces uniformly and monitor cooking time to maintain juicy, tender meat without drying out.
• Enhance Sauce Depth: Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth to capture rich, caramelized flavor bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Master Pasta Texture: Cook spaghetti al dente to ensure perfect consistency that holds up well when baked with the creamy sauce.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Let the dish rest briefly after baking to allow cheese to set and flavors to blend smoothly.
• Vegetable Sauté Secret: Cook bell peppers, onions, and garlic until they become tender and release their aromatic flavors for maximum taste.

Tasty Twists on Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

• Gluten-Free Pasta Option: Swap traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or corn to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or plant-based chicken alternatives for a meat-free version that maintains protein content.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and substitute Monterey Jack with dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, swap dried herbs with fresh herbs like basil and parsley, and incorporate kalamata olives for an intense Mediterranean flavor profile.

Best Pairings for Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy chicken pasta's rich flavors and cut through the heavy cream sauce.
• Serve with Fresh Garden Salad: Create a bright mixed green salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness and add refreshing contrast.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crunchy textural element that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare a simple roasted vegetable medley like asparagus or zucchini with herbs to add nutritional variety and a light, earthy accompaniment to the hearty pasta dish.

Piquant Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Monterey chicken spaghetti delivers a creamy, cheesy symphony of flavors that dance across your palate. Comfort and zest merge in this irresistible dish, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave time and again.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2 lbs chicken breast, boneless and skinless
• 1/2 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded

Vegetables:

• 1 cup bell peppers, diced
• 1/2 cup onions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pantry Ingredients:

• 16 oz spaghetti pasta
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil.
2. Slice chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized pieces, ensuring even cooking.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté diced bell peppers, chopped onions, and minced garlic until vegetables become tender and fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
4. Add chicken pieces to the skillet, seasoning with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and thyme. Cook until chicken turns golden and is completely cooked through, about 6-7 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, boil spaghetti pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
6. Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
7. Stir in heavy cream and reduce heat, allowing the sauce to simmer and slightly thicken for 3-4 minutes.
8. Combine cooked pasta, chicken, and vegetable mixture in the prepared baking dish, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
9. Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the pasta mixture.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and slightly golden.
11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

• Slice chicken uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent some pieces from being undercooked or overdone.
• Select fresh, high-quality Monterey Jack cheese for maximum flavor and smooth melting texture in the final dish.
• Consider swapping heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter, lower-calorie version without compromising richness.
• Use fresh herbs instead of dried oregano and thyme when available to elevate the overall aromatic profile of the spaghetti.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg