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Delicious Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

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A creamy and cheesy Monterey Chicken Spaghetti that’s quick and satisfying, perfect for family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces Spaghetti (or any pasta shape)
  • 1 pound Chicken Breast (can substitute with rotisserie chicken)
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese (shredded; can substitute with cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (can use any cooking oil)
  • 2 tablespoons Butter (can replace with more olive oil for dairy-free)
  • 1 medium Onion (chopped; shallots or onion powder can be substituted)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced; adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth (low-sodium recommended; vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream (for a lighter option, use half-and-half or evaporated milk)

Instructions

  1. Boil the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, reserve a cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. SautƩ for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
  3. SautƩ the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until translucent. Then, add the minced garlic, cooking for another minute or until fragrant.
  4. Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow it to simmer for a couple of minutes. Next, pour in the heavy cream, stirring until combined, and bring it to a gentle simmer.
  5. Combine and Cheese: Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce, stirring well to coat the pasta. Then, incorporate the sliced chicken and adjust the sauce’s thickness by adding some reserved pasta water if necessary. Stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes rich and creamy.
  6. Serve Your Creation: Remove the skillet from heat and serve immediately. This meal is best enjoyed hot and fresh, but don’t forget to save some for leftovers — if there are any!

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding Italian herbs or steamed vegetables. It stores well for meal prep and can be frozen for later.

Nutrition

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