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+ servings

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

A creamy and cheesy pasta dish that combines shredded chicken and Monterey Jack cheese, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

Pasta Ingredients
  • 8 ounces spaghetti
Sauce Ingredients
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Can use rotisserie, poached, or leftover chicken.
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded Mild and melts well.
  • 1 cup heavy cream For richness; alternatives include half-and-half.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic gives better flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Watch closely to avoid browning.
  3. Add the shredded chicken to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and raise the heat to bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for a minute to thicken slightly.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Add the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  6. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss and fold the pasta into the sauce until every strand is coated. Heat for another minute so everything is well combined.
  7. Serve immediately, sprinkled with chopped parsley for color and freshness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g

Notes

For best results, save a little pasta water before draining. This helps the sauce cling to the spaghetti. Grate cheese from a block for better melting, and avoid boiling the sauce after adding cheese to prevent graininess. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and consume within 3-4 days, reheating gently with a splash of milk if needed.

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