Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a flavorful twist on traditional pasta, combining tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and lots of cheesy goodness with the rich flavor of Monterey Jack cheese. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti (or any pasta of your choice)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced; rotisserie works well)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning (optional for added flavor)
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and chicken broth. Cook for 5-6 minutes, allowing the mixture to heat through.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and taco seasoning (if using). Allow the sauce to simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Gradually stir in the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, reserving a little cheese for topping. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted into a smooth sauce.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the chicken and cheese sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- If you’re using bacon, stir it in now for a smoky, savory touch.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Transfer the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti to a serving dish. Sprinkle the reserved shredded cheese on top.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with extra bacon crumbles if desired.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can bake the dish in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 375°F after combining the pasta with the sauce, topping it with the reserved cheese and bacon.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to make the dish more nutritious.
This dish is perfect for a cozy family meal with a Tex-Mex flair! Let me know if you’d like to explore more variations or side dishes to complement this.
