If you’re on the lookout for a meal that hits all the right notes—creamy, cheesy, satisfying, and just bursting with flavor—look no further than this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Pasta Recipe. It’s a dish that brings together tender, seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, fresh broccoli, and a luscious, cheesy sauce that’s guaranteed to make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a small gathering, this recipe is as comforting as it is impressive without being complicated.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Pasta Recipe lies not only in its flavor but also in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, adding layers of taste, texture, or color that make this dish truly shine.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides tender, juicy protein that’s the heart of the dish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle but essential savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Offers a mild smokiness and beautiful color to the chicken.
- Salt and pepper: The basics that balance and enhance all other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the chicken to golden perfection.
- 8 oz spaghetti: The perfect pasta base to soak up the creamy sauce.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Adds freshness, crunch, and a pop of green.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats everything.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Brings creamy, mild cheesiness that melts beautifully.
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes: Brightens the sauce with a little acidity and color.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Adds a fresh, oniony crunch for garnish and extra flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties the flavors together perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Injects freshness and a touch of brightness into the sauce.
How to Make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the spaghetti until it’s just al dente—tender but still with a bit of bite. In the last 3 to 4 minutes of cooking, toss in the broccoli florets so they soften but keep their vibrant color and crunch. Drain everything well and set aside; this combo is the perfect canvas for our creamy sauce and chicken.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
While your pasta is cooking, it’s time to prep the star protein. Dice your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, then season generously with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. These spices bring warmth and a gentle smokiness that will elevate the entire dish.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through—this usually takes around 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the heat and set it aside. The golden crust on the chicken adds nice texture alongside the creamy pasta.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet (no need to dirty another pan!), lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Gradually stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and lemon juice. Keep stirring gently until the cheese melts and the sauce reaches a smooth, silky consistency. This sauce is the magic that brings creaminess and flavor in every forkful.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Broccoli, and Sauce
Now, add the drained pasta and broccoli directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything carefully to ensure each strand of spaghetti is coated with that luscious sauce, and the broccoli is evenly distributed. This step transforms the dish into a cohesive, creamy delight.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix everything until the chicken is warmed through and nicely incorporated. This ensures every bite has the perfect balance of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Divide the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Pasta among serving bowls and sprinkle with chopped green onions for a burst of color and flavor. If you’re feeling indulgent, add some extra shredded cheese on top. Serve immediately while it’s warm and savory goodness can be enjoyed to the fullest.
How to Serve Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
The chopped green onions aren’t just for looks—they add a satisfying crunch and a mild kick that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. For an extra touch, freshly cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top can add interesting warmth.
Side Dishes
This dish really stands on its own, but if you want to make it a full meal, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness perfectly. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices also provide a perfect vehicle to sop up any leftover sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, try serving the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Pasta Recipe in individual pasta bowls and topping each with a fresh basil leaf or a small handful of toasted pine nuts. Another fun idea is to bake it briefly under the broiler with additional cheese for a golden, bubbly finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this dish store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit, making for a delicious second-day meal. Be sure to cool the pasta before refrigerating to maintain texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep this meal longer, it freezes well too. Place the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Pasta Recipe in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to reintroduce moisture. Heat slowly over medium-low heat, stirring often until heated through. This keeps the dish creamy and prevents it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for the recipe?
Absolutely! While Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully and has a mild flavor, you can substitute with mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile might shift slightly.
Is it okay to use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works just fine and is very convenient. Just be sure to add it during the last few minutes of pasta cooking to avoid overcooking and maintain some texture.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely. Swap regular spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce and other ingredients remain the same, so you won’t miss a beat in flavor or texture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when seasoning the chicken or stir some into the sauce. A dash of hot sauce can also add a nice kick without overpowering the dish.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and sauce in advance and refrigerate separately. When ready to serve, simply cook the pasta and broccoli fresh, then combine everything together on the stove. This helps keep the pasta from getting too soft.
Final Thoughts
This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Pasta Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes because it’s easy, comforting, and absolutely delicious every single time. The marriage of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli tossed through spaghetti ensures every bite feels like a little celebration. Trust me—you’re going to want to keep this recipe close for those nights when you need something guaranteed to satisfy. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too.
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 rich and flavorful dish featuring tender seasoned chicken, al dente spaghetti, and fresh broccoli tossed in a creamy Monterey Jack cheese sauce with bright notes from Italian seasoning and lemon juice. This comforting one-pan meal is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
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. Add the broccoli florets during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, season the diced chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to infuse it with flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and lemon juice. Cook gently, stirring constantly, until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti and broccoli to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly and heat everything through.
- Add Chicken to the Mixture: Stir in the cooked chicken pieces, ensuring they are well mixed with the pasta and sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Divide the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Pasta into serving bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions and additional shredded cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful meal!
Notes
- Use freshly grated Monterey Jack cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- For a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Frozen broccoli can be used if fresh is not available; just ensure it is thawed slightly before adding.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat in your sauce.
