Description
Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti recipe is a satisfying and easy dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals. Tender seared chicken is tossed with spaghetti and bathed in a rich Monterey Jack and Parmesan sauce, loaded with garlic and herbs. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner recipes, comfort food ideas, or a family favorite pasta dish, this one checks all the boxes. It also reheats beautifully—ideal for leftovers or meal prep.
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
¾ cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until just shy of al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and cooked through, then set aside.
3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Sauté chopped onions for 4–5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and cook another 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Lower heat and stir in Monterey Jack and Parmesan until melted and smooth. Return chicken and any juices to the pan.
6. Add cooked spaghetti into the sauce and toss everything together. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Freshly shredded cheese is best—it melts more evenly and creates a creamier sauce.
Don’t skip deglazing with broth—it’s what brings deep flavor from the chicken sear.
Cook your pasta just shy of al dente—it finishes cooking in the sauce for perfect texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: easy dinner, creamy pasta, Monterey Jack chicken, spaghetti recipe