Description
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken, al dente spaghetti, and vibrant broccoli florets all tossed in a rich Monterey Jack cheese sauce with a touch of Italian seasoning and lemon juice for brightness. This satisfying meal is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), cooked and diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti (about half a standard box)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish and flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Add the broccoli florets during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking. Drain the pasta and broccoli, then set aside.
- Season the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the diced chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly for a flavorful base.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low in the same skillet. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in shredded Monterey Jack cheese, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and lemon juice. Cook while stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth, about 3-5 minutes.
- Toss Pasta and Broccoli in Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Toss them together to coat everything evenly and heat through.
- Combine Chicken with Pasta and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir until all ingredients are well mixed and heated.
- Serve and Garnish: Divide the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Pasta into serving bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions and additional cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen broccoli as preferred; adjust cooking time slightly if using fresh for desired tenderness.
- To make this dish lighter, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic when cooking the chicken.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute spaghetti with gluten-free pasta.
