A delightful crunch followed by a satisfying creaminess—this is what happens every time I dig into a bowl of Monterrey Chicken Spaghetti. This creamy dish is my go-to for busy weeknights, packing tender chicken, rich Monterey Jack cheese, and vibrant veggies into a bowl of comfort. Not only is it incredibly easy to whip up, but it also offers a healthy twist that will please even the pickiest eaters at your table. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or gathering friends for a cozy dinner, this recipe brings warmth and joy to every bite. Curious about how to make this delicious meal a staple in your kitchen? Let’s dive in! Why is Monterey Chicken Spaghetti a Must-Try? Comforting Flavor: This dish is a warm hug for your taste buds, combining creamy cheese and savory chicken for a truly delightful experience. Quick Preparation: Ready in just under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners when time is short but flavor is a must. Versatile Ingredients: Customize with chicken thighs or even tofu for those looking for a vegetarian option. If you’re in the mood for a twist, try adding your favorite veggies! Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: This creamy goodness is sure to impress family and friends, making it an ideal dish for gatherings or cozy nights in. Perfect Pair: Serve it alongside a light salad or warm garlic bread to elevate your meal even further! Just like my beloved Bruschetta Chicken Pasta, this recipe is destined to become a favorite in your home. Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Ingredients For the Pasta • 8 oz (225g) spaghetti – This is the perfect base for your creamy Monterey Chicken Spaghetti; feel free to use any pasta you prefer! For the Chicken • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The primary protein source; you can swap for chicken thighs for added richness. For the Sauce • 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth – Adds moisture and depth; substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist. • 1 tbsp olive oil – Enhances flavor while cooking; butter can be used as a delicious alternative if desired. • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream – Infuses richness into the sauce; consider using half-and-half for a lighter option. • 1 cup (240g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese – The star of this dish, adding creaminess; mozzarella can serve as a great substitute. For the Veggies • 1/2 cup (75g) fresh spinach, chopped – A lovely fresh veggie addition; kale can easily be used as a substitute. • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved – Brings freshness and a hint of acidity; regular diced tomatoes work too. • 1 small onion, diced – An aromatic base layer for flavor; both yellow and white onions are suitable. • 2 cloves garlic, minced – Adds savory depth; garlic powder can be an alternative if you’re in a pinch. For Seasoning and Garnish • Salt and pepper to taste – Essential seasonings for extra flavor. • 1/4 cup (30g) Parmesan cheese, grated – Adds umami to the dish; can be omitted for dairy-free options. • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish – Brings a fresh touch and color to finish your dish beautifully. This ingredient list sets the stage for creating your delightful Monterey Chicken Spaghetti that will soon become a beloved weeknight dinner in your home! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Step 1: Boil Spaghetti Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 8 oz of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s tender but still has a slight bite. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside, allowing it to cool slightly while you prepare the chicken. Step 2: Cook the Chicken In a large skillet over medium heat, pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it heat for about a minute. Season 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them in the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, remove the chicken, let it rest, and slice it into bite-sized pieces. Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic Using the same skillet, add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This step builds a flavorful base for your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti, enhancing the dish’s savory profile as the onions soften and the garlic becomes aromatic. Step 4: Add Broth and Cream Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to cook for about 3 minutes. Then, reduce the heat slightly and add 1/2 cup of heavy cream along with 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce, creating a creamy and luscious texture. Step 5: Incorporate Veggies Next, stir in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1/2 cup of chopped fresh spinach. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes begin to soften. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors will infuse the sauce, making your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti even more inviting and delicious. Step 6: Toss Everything Together Once your vegetables are ready, add the sliced chicken and the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Gently toss everything together, ensuring that the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce. This step brings all the elements of your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti together, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Step 7: Season and Serve Finally, taste your dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavors. Plate your creamy Monterey Chicken Spaghetti, and if desired, sprinkle with 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for added umami. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro to bring a pop of color and freshness, making your meal as visually appealing as it is delicious. Expert Tips for Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Check Chicken Temperature: Always ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe eating. This helps avoid any foodborne illnesses. Optimal Pasta Cooking: When cooking spaghetti, aim for al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy, which can affect the overall texture of your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti. Choose Cream Wisely: For a creamier sauce, use heavy cream. If you want to lighten it up, half-and-half works well without sacrificing too much richness. Fresh Veggies: Don’t skip on the fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes; they lend vibrant flavor and texture. Feel free to substitute with other veggies you love! Season Gradually: Taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning gradually to achieve the best flavor without overpowering the dish with salt or pepper. Store Leftovers Properly: Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container and reheating gently on the stove with a splash of broth will keep your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti creamy and delicious. Make Ahead Options Preparing your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time is a real time-saver for busy weeknights! You can cook the chicken and sauce up to 24 hours in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator to maintain their great flavors. For the chicken, simply season and cook as directed, then let it cool before slicing and refrigerating. The sauce can be prepared by following the instructions until you incorporate the spinach and tomatoes, then refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. When you’re set to enjoy your meal, just reheat the chicken and sauce gently, toss with freshly cooked spaghetti, and your creamy Monterey Chicken Spaghetti will be just as delicious as if you made it from scratch! How to Store and Freeze Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Fridge: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let the spaghetti cool before sealing to retain freshness. Freezer: Freeze in a sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To prevent freezer burn, wrap tightly in plastic wrap before placing in a container. Reheating: When ready to enjoy your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti, reheat it gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth to help maintain that creamy texture. Make-Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making dinner prep even easier! What to Serve with Creamy Monterey Chicken Spaghetti? Elevate your cozy dinner experience with delightful pairings that complement the rich flavors of this creamy pasta dish. Garlic Bread: This classic staple adds a buttery crunch that softens the rich sauce’s creaminess while soaking up every delicious drop. Simple Green Salad: A fresh mix of greens with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast, balancing the hearty pasta beautifully. Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers bring a sweet, smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste of your meal. Caesar Salad: A tangy Caesar salad not only elevates the dining experience but adds crispy Romaine and crunchy croutons for delightful texture! Wine Pairing: A chilled Chardonnay harmonizes wonderfully with the creamy sauce and enriches the flavors of the chicken. Lemon Sorbet: A light and refreshing dessert that cleanses the palate, providing a perfect sweet ending to your hearty meal. Herbed Rice: Fluffy rice infused with herbs can soak up the creamy sauce and serve as a delightful side for additional comfort. Fruit Tart: A baked fruit tart with its sweetness can counterbalance the savory richness of your creamy Monterey Chicken Spaghetti for a satisfying finish. Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Variations & Substitutions Feel free to make this recipe your own and explore exciting alternatives that will tantalize your taste buds! Chicken Thighs: Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for a richer, more flavorful dish. The thighs will add moisture and tenderness. Tofu Option: For a vegetarian twist, use pressed and cubed tofu instead of chicken. Sauté until golden and deliciously crispy for texture. Alternative Pasta: Try using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier or allergy-friendly option. Each variety adds a unique bite to your dish! Cheese Change: Substitute Monterey Jack with your favorite cheese, like sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor or creamy mozzarella for a lighter taste. Vegetable Boost: Add bell peppers or zucchini for an extra dose of veggies, enhancing both flavor and nutrition. This twist will bring different colors and crunch to your plate! Creamy Variance: Use Greek yogurt or cottage cheese mixed with a bit of milk as a lower-calorie alternative to heavy cream. It’ll still give you that creamy goodness but with a twist! Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to spice things up. The heat will bring a delightful contrast to the creaminess. Herb & Garlic Play: Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can add a fragrant twist. You could also use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic for convenience in a pinch. As you cook this delightful dish, don’t hesitate to explore your kitchen! If you’re craving something different, consider preparing some delicious Avocado Chicken Salad Roll-Ups or trying out Oven Baked Chicken for a fun remix! Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe FAQs What should I look for when selecting chicken for my Monterey Chicken Spaghetti? Absolutely! When choosing chicken breasts, look for ones that are plump and have a nice pink color with no dark spots or bruises. If you’re opting for chicken thighs, ensure they have a good amount of moisture and no lingering unpleasant odors. Fresh chicken should ideally be used, but frozen can work in a pinch; just make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking. How can I store leftovers of the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti? For sure! Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. It’s best to let the spaghetti cool before sealing to retain maximum freshness. If you find you won’t eat it all within that timeframe, consider freezing it! Can I freeze Monterey Chicken Spaghetti? If so, how? Absolutely! To freeze your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti, first allow it to cool completely. Then, transfer it to a sealed, freezer-safe container. For best results, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the container to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore creaminess. What should I do if my sauce is too thick? Very good question! If your sauce becomes too thick, don’t worry; this is quite common. Simply add a little chicken broth or water, stirring continuously, until you reach your desired consistency. If you notice it becoming overly oily, try gently stirring in a little more heavy cream or a splash of milk to reach the right balance. Can I make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti vegetarian-friendly? Of course! To create a vegetarian Monterey Chicken Spaghetti, substitute the chicken with extra-firm tofu or even mushrooms for texture. Additionally, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the grated Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. This way, you can enjoy a delicious creamy pasta dish without sacrificing flavor! Is this dish suitable for kids and picky eaters? Definitely! The creamy texture and cheesy goodness makes Monterey Chicken Spaghetti a hit with kids and even the pickiest eaters! If you’re concerned about the spinach or tomatoes, you can blend in a bit more sauce or finely chop the veggies to make them less noticeable while retaining all that delicious nutrition. Creamy Monterey Chicken Spaghetti for Cozy Weeknight Dinners A creamy and comforting Monterey Chicken Spaghetti that's perfect for busy weeknight dinners. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 600 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Pasta8 oz spaghetti Feel free to use any pasta you prefer!For the Chicken1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts You can swap for chicken thighs for added richness.For the Sauce1 cup chicken broth Substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist.1 tbsp olive oil Butter can be used as a delicious alternative.1/2 cup heavy cream Consider using half-and-half for a lighter option.1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese Mozzarella can serve as a great substitute.For the Veggies1/2 cup fresh spinach, chopped Kale can easily be used as a substitute.1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Regular diced tomatoes work too.1 small onion, diced Both yellow and white onions are suitable.2 cloves garlic, minced Garlic powder can be an alternative.For Seasoning and Garnishsalt and pepper to taste Essential seasonings for extra flavor.1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Can be omitted for dairy-free options.Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish Brings a fresh touch and color. Equipment large potlarge skillet Method Step‑by‑Step InstructionsBegin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.In a large skillet over medium heat, pour olive oil and let it heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then place in the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove chicken, let rest, and slice.Using the same skillet, add onions and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until onions become translucent and fragrant.Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer, cooking for about 3 minutes. Then, reduce heat and add heavy cream and shredded Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until cheese melts.Next, stir in cherry tomatoes and spinach. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, until spinach wilts and tomatoes soften.Add sliced chicken and cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until pasta is well-coated with sauce.Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Plate the spaghetti, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired, and garnish with parsley or cilantro. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 40gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg NotesFor best practices, check chicken temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F. Aim for al dente spaghetti and consider using fresh vegetables for flavor. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
