Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Pasta (Printable Version)

Cheesy Monterey chicken, tender pasta, and savory sauce make this a cozy, satisfying dish for any night.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 340 g spaghetti, cooked al dente

→ Protein

02 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Dairy

03 - 120 g Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
04 - 120 ml heavy cream
05 - 1 tablespoon butter

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

06 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
07 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
08 - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

→ Pantry & Seasoning

09 - 240 ml chicken broth
10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - 1 teaspoon paprika
12 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
13 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Boil spaghetti in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
02 - Season chicken pieces with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add seasoned chicken and sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Add chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and allow the sauce to thicken slightly, about 5 minutes.
05 - Return cooked spaghetti and chicken to the skillet. Toss well to coat all ingredients evenly in the sauce.
06 - Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the mixture. Cover the skillet and let sit for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese has fully melted.
07 - Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Enhance flavor by adding sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, or bell peppers.
02 - For a spicy variation, include a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne.
03 - Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days; refresh sauce with a splash of broth or cream during reheating.
04 - For added texture, top with toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before serving.