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Creamy Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

A delightful and comforting dish featuring tender spaghetti enveloped in a creamy sauce, topped with chicken and cheese. Perfect for family gatherings!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Chicken
  • 8 oz spaghetti Use your favorite brand of spaghetti.
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces Can be substituted with chicken thighs for more flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing the chicken.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor.
Creamy Sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter version, substitute with milk and Greek yogurt.
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded Can substitute with Cheddar cheese.
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds richness and depth to the flavor.
  • to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to personal preference.
Garnish
  • as needed Chopped parsley Optional, for serving.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
Sautéing the Chicken
  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, and sauté them until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Preparing the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Melting the Cheese
  1. Stir in the Monterey Jack cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Combining Everything
  1. Add the cooked spaghetti and sautéed chicken to the sauce, stirring gently to coat everything in the creamy goodness. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serving
  1. Plate up the creamy spaghetti and top with freshly chopped parsley for an added touch. Enjoy!

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore its creamy consistency.