Description
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a hearty, creamy, and satisfying pasta bake loaded with golden seared chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, garlic, and herbs. With just the right touch of heat and a golden, bubbly finish, this dish is perfect for both weeknight meals and casual dinner gatherings.
Ingredients
16 oz spaghetti noodles
1.5 lbs boneless chicken breast, sliced
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
2. Heat olive oil in a deep skillet. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Stir in red pepper flakes.
4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes.
5. Gradually stir in shredded Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
6. Toss cooked spaghetti and chicken into the sauce. Mix to coat evenly.
7. Transfer mixture to a baking dish. Top with extra cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in garlic and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
Don’t skip the pasta water—it can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much while baking.
Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting texture—pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents that don’t melt as smoothly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of dish
- Calories: 625
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 470 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Keywords: chicken spaghetti, creamy pasta bake, easy dinner