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
Scale
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.
