Description
Monterey chicken spaghetti brings comfort and zest to weeknight dinners with its creamy, cheesy allure. Hungry diners will savor each forkful of this hearty, flavor-packed pasta that promises satisfaction in every delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup monterey jack cheese
Pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
Sauce and Liquids:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Herbs and Spices:
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté minced garlic, diced onions, and bell peppers until vegetables become tender and slightly caramelized, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add shredded chicken to the skillet, stirring to combine with the sautéed vegetables and distribute evenly.
- Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, creating a rich, creamy base for the sauce.
- Sprinkle dried oregano, salt, and black pepper into the mixture, allowing the seasonings to infuse the sauce with robust flavor.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and ensure smooth consistency.
- Gently fold in the cooked spaghetti, coating the noodles thoroughly with the creamy sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to maintain desired sauce thickness.
- Sprinkle monterey jack cheese over the top, letting it melt into the hot pasta and create a luxurious, gooey texture.
- Add butter to the skillet, stirring to create a glossy finish and enhance the sauce’s richness.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, providing a bright, herbaceous contrast to the creamy dish.
- Serve immediately while hot, ensuring the cheese remains melted and the sauce is at its peak creaminess.
Notes
- Elevate the dish’s flavor by toasting garlic and onions until they develop a golden-brown caramelized edge, releasing deeper, sweeter notes.
- Opt for rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken to save time and add extra depth to the spaghetti’s overall taste profile.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, reducing calories while maintaining creamy texture.
- Enhance protein content by adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach, creating a more nutritionally balanced one-pan meal with additional vegetable goodness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg