If you are looking for a comforting, flavorful, and utterly satisfying pasta dish, this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is an absolute home run. Combining tender, juicy chicken with creamy Monterey Jack cheese and a slight kick from Rotel tomatoes with green chiles, this dish brings together all the best textures and tastes you crave after a busy day. It’s a simple yet impressive recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for weeknights and casual dinners with friends or family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe plays an essential role, from the perfectly cooked spaghetti providing a hearty base to the creamy cheese that binds everything together. Together, these simple components create a dish bursting with taste and texture that anyone can master.
- 8 ounces spaghetti: The foundation of our dish, bringing a lovely bite and carrying all those delicious flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps cook the chicken to a golden perfection without sticking.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts diced: Tender protein fueling the dish with meaty goodness and mild flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and earthiness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a subtle, savory note to the chicken seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements garlic powder for that rounded savory base.
- 1 small onion diced: Softens in the skillet, offering sweetness and depth.
- 3 cloves garlic minced: Provides fresh, aromatic punch that’s more vibrant than powder alone.
- 1 red bell pepper diced: Adds a pleasant crunch and beautiful color contrast.
- 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel tomatoes with green chiles drained: Gives a hint of spice and juicy tomato flavor that wakes up the dish.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Builds the sauce base while keeping things light and savory.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creamy goodness that makes the sauce luxuriously smooth.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese plus extra for topping: Melts perfectly to create that iconic cheesy signature of this recipe.
- 1/4 cup cooked crumbled bacon: Adds smoky crunch and belly-warming flavor on top.
- 2 green onions sliced: Fresh, crisp garnish that brightens every bite.
How to Make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the spaghetti
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. This will ensure your noodles have that perfect slight bite that holds up wonderfully once mixed with the creamy sauce. After draining, set the pasta aside but keep it warm.
Step 2: Sauté the chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While it warms, season your diced chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook it for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully browned on the outside and fully cooked through. This step builds the meaty, flavorful core of your dish.
Step 3: Cook the vegetables
With the chicken cooked, toss in diced onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté everything together for 2 to 3 minutes until the veggies soften and release their sweetness, infusing the pan with amazing aromas. This combo adds a burst of freshness and texture that balances the creamy sauce perfectly.
Step 4: Create the sauce
Now stir in the drained Rotel tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer—let those flavors meld and the sauce begin to thicken slightly for 3 to 4 minutes. This step transforms the skillet into a luscious, flavorful sauce that will coat every strand of spaghetti.
Step 5: Add cheese and combine
Reduce the heat and sprinkle in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts seamlessly into the sauce, giving it a smooth and creamy texture. Then add your cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet and toss everything together to coat every strand of pasta with the cheesy, saucy goodness.
Step 6: Finish with toppings
Sprinkle crumbled bacon and sliced green onions over the top for a delightful crunch and fresh bite. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, add some more Monterey Jack cheese on top while the dish is still warm so it can melt just a little. Serve it straight from the pan and watch everyone dive in!
How to Serve Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with crumbled bacon and fresh green onions elevates the dish not only with flavor but also with delightful texture and eye-catching color. The bacon brings smokiness while the green onions add a bright, peppery crunch that cuts through the richness in the best way.
Side Dishes
This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe pairs beautifully with light, crisp side dishes like a fresh green salad tossed in vinaigrette, buttery garlic bread for soaking up every last bit of sauce, or roasted vegetables for extra color and nutrition on your plate. Keep sides simple to let this hearty pasta shine!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets topped with extra cheese under a broiler until bubbly and golden. You can also sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a pop of green and flavor contrast. Making it a one-pan dinner keeps presentation easy but impressive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Monterey Chicken Spaghetti in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This recipe reheats well and retains its creamy texture, making it perfect for quick lunches or second-night dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by placing well-cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags. For best quality, eat within 1 to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir frequently to ensure it heats evenly and stays luscious and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works great, you can substitute with fettuccine, penne, or even rotini to change up the texture and make it your own.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicy?
Definitely. You can add pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack for a mild kick, or incorporate extra diced jalapeños or hot sauce according to your spice preference.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a tasty alternative that stay juicy and tender, adding a slightly richer flavor to the dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply swap the spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta, and ensure that all other ingredients, like broth and seasonings, are gluten-free as well.
What can I do if I don’t have heavy cream on hand?
You can substitute with half-and-half or full-fat milk mixed with a bit of butter to maintain richness, but heavy cream gives the best creamy texture in this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is such a crowd-pleaser, combining creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors with an easy-to-follow process that anyone can enjoy. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just craving a cozy meal for yourself, this dish offers comfort and satisfaction in every forkful. I hope you’ll try it soon and discover what makes it one of my absolute favorite recipes to turn to time and time again.
Print
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender diced chicken breasts cooked with sautéed vegetables and Rotel tomatoes, combined with rich Monterey Jack cheese and a hint of smoky bacon. This quick and easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal that delivers a spicy, cheesy twist on classic chicken pasta.
Ingredients
Spaghetti
- 8 ounces spaghetti
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel tomatoes with green chiles, drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, plus extra for topping
- 1/4 cup cooked crumbled bacon
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Prepare the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 8 minutes, until browned and fully cooked through.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Cream: Stir in the drained Rotel tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Melt Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese until it melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy chicken and vegetable sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and sliced green onions over the top. Add extra shredded Monterey Jack cheese if desired. Serve the dish warm for a comforting, cheesy chicken spaghetti experience.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, add an extra 1/4 cup of heavy cream when combining the sauce ingredients.
- Substitute Monterey Jack cheese with Pepper Jack cheese for a spicier flavor profile.
