If you’re craving a cozy, satisfying dinner that’s bursting with flavor and creamy goodness, then you’re going to love this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Pasta Recipe. It takes simple ingredients like tender chicken, tender-crisp broccoli, and spaghetti, then elevates them with a rich creamy cheese sauce featuring Monterey Jack cheese and fresh tomatoes. This dish perfectly balances comfort and freshness, bringing a splash of color, warmth, and irresistible taste to your dinner table. Once you try this crowd-pleaser, it’s going to become a fast favorite for weeknights or anytime you want a delicious, fuss-free meal that delights every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s great about this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Pasta Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role. From the perfectly seasoned chicken to the creamy cheese sauce, every component adds to the final texture, taste, and appearance of the dish. Let’s break down what you’ll need to gather before we dive into cooking.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: This will give tender, juicy protein that’s the heart of the dish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, aromatic depth without overpowering the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Offers beautiful color and a subtle spicy kick.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For perfectly searing the chicken to golden perfection.
- 8 oz spaghetti: The pasta base that carries all that creamy goodness.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Adds fresh crunch, vibrant color, and healthy greens.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The foundation for the luscious, silky sauce.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully to make the sauce irresistibly cheesy.
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes: Brings juicy bursts of flavor and a touch of acidity.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: For garnish and an oniony brightness on top.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds an Italian-inspired flair.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Gives the sauce a zesty finish to balance the creaminess.
How to Make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti and Broccoli
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in the spaghetti and cook it until it’s just al dente—that perfect chewier bite you want from pasta. When you’re about 3 to 4 minutes away from it being done, toss in the broccoli florets so they cook gently alongside the pasta. Once cooked, drain everything and set it aside to add to the sauce later.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
While your pasta is cooking, it’s time to bring some serious flavor to the chicken. Dice the chicken breasts and sprinkle them evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning package infuses the chicken with a savory and slightly smoky taste that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and toss in the seasoned chicken pieces. Sauté them until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked through—usually about 5 to 7 minutes. The beautifully caramelized edges will add a nice texture contrast later. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and set aside the chicken.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Lower the heat on your skillet and pour in the heavy cream. Then stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and lemon juice. Keep stirring gently until the cheese melts completely into the cream, creating a smooth, rich sauce packed with flavor and a hint of brightness from the lemon. This is the magic that pulls the entire dish together.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Broccoli with Sauce
Now, it’s time to bring it all together: add the cooked spaghetti and broccoli back into the skillet with the warm cheese sauce. Toss everything carefully to coat every strand of pasta and floret of broccoli with that creamy, cheesy goodness. Make sure it’s heated through so the flavors meld perfectly.
Step 6: Add the Chicken
Finally, stir in the golden, cooked chicken pieces until everything is evenly combined. The tender chicken chunks nestle into the pasta beautifully, creating a comforting one-pan dish that looks just as amazing as it tastes.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Divide the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Pasta Recipe into bowls or plates, topping each serving with chopped green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor. You can sprinkle a little extra Monterey Jack cheese on top if you’re feeling cheesy. Serve immediately and savor every creamy, flavorful bite.
How to Serve Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions are the classic garnish here, adding a fresh, mild onion flavor and bright green color contrast. You can also sprinkle a bit of crushed red pepper flakes if you want a subtle spicy kick or a handful of chopped fresh parsley to brighten up the plate visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
This dish is a filling meal on its own, but if you want to make it a little more special, consider serving it alongside a crisp garden salad or garlic bread. The fresh crunch or buttery bread pairs beautifully with the creamy pasta, rounding out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, you can serve this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Pasta Recipe in individual ramekins or hollowed-out bell peppers for a colorful presentation. It also looks stunning when garnished with edible flowers or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an unexpected gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Pasta Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind the pasta may absorb more sauce as it sits, so it might be a touch thicker when you reheat.
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta dish as well, but for best texture, freeze it without the broccoli and add fresh broccoli when reheating. Freeze the pasta and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Stir constantly until heated through. Avoid microwaving for long periods to keep the texture creamy and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! While Monterey Jack cheese is perfect for its creamy melt, you can substitute with mozzarella, cheddar, or even a mix of cheeses to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes! This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Pasta Recipe is great for meal prepping. Just store individual portions in airtight containers for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Definitely. Frozen broccoli works just as well and is a convenient option when fresh isn’t available. Just make sure to add it at the right time during cooking as instructed.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a lighter sauce, but the texture won’t be quite as rich and velvety.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding sautéed mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or extra broccoli for added protein and flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Pasta Recipe enough if you want a comforting, creamy, and flavorful dinner that comes together quickly but feels truly special. It’s warm, cheesy, and full of little pops of freshness that keep every bite exciting. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try and watch it become one of your go-to recipes in no time!
Print
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender seasoned chicken, al dente spaghetti, and nutritious broccoli, all tossed in a rich Monterey Jack cheese sauce with a hint of Italian seasoning and lemon. This one-pan skillet meal is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that comes together quickly and packs a delicious punch.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), cooked and diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti (about half a box)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain well and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the diced chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring even coating for flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Reduce heat to low in the same skillet. Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in shredded Monterey Jack cheese, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and lemon juice. Cook gently until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Broccoli with Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to ensure the pasta and broccoli are evenly coated and warmed through.
- Add Cooked Chicken: Stir in the cooked chicken pieces, mixing until everything is well combined and heated evenly.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Pasta into serving bowls. Garnish with the chopped green onions and additional cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, although the sauce will be less rich.
- Use fresh broccoli for best texture, but frozen works well too; just ensure it is thawed or cooked adequately.
- You can swap Monterey Jack cheese with mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid overcooking the chicken.
