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Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti
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Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a vibrant, creamy pasta dish combining tender chicken, melted cheese, and mild spice. Ready in under 40 minutes, it offers comforting flavors with a hint of Southwestern zest, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

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

Pasta

  • 8 ounces traditional spaghetti noodles

Dairy

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies

Liquids

  • 1 cup chicken broth

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt, to taste

Oils

  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil (such as olive or vegetable oil)

Instructions

  1. Cook the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add a bit of oil, and sauté the chicken until cooked through and slightly golden on the outside. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  2. Prepare the aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes, building a flavorful base for the sauce.
  3. Make the creamy sauce: Add diced green chilies, chicken broth, and cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Season with cumin, paprika, and black pepper to balance the flavors.
  4. Cook and combine noodles: Meanwhile, boil spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and toss them into the creamy sauce, stirring well to coat evenly.
  5. Add cheese and chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top, and cover briefly to allow the cheese to melt and everything to blend beautifully.

Notes

  • Use fresh chicken breasts for the best tenderness and flavor.
  • Avoid overcooking the pasta; al dente noodles hold up better in the sauce.
  • Stir the sauce frequently to prevent burning and ensure smooth texture.
  • Adjust spice levels by modifying the green chilies or adding jalapeños.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for richer taste and better melting quality.

Nutrition

Keywords: Monterey Chicken Spaghetti, chicken pasta, creamy chicken recipe, easy dinner, one-pan meal, Southwestern pasta

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/monterey-chicken-spaghetti/