If you’re craving a creamy, cheesy, and downright comforting pasta dish, this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is your new best friend. Combining tender diced chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and the smooth melt of Monterey Jack cheese all married together with perfectly cooked spaghetti, it delivers rich flavors with a satisfying Southern twist. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this dish brings warmth and cozy deliciousness to your table every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe a standout. Each item plays an essential role in creating those layers of flavor, creamy texture, and colorful appeal that make this dish unforgettable.
- 8 ounces spaghetti: The perfect pasta base, providing a familiar yet sturdy texture that holds the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity depth and helps brown the chicken to perfection.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced: Tender, lean protein that soaks up all the spices and sauce.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances every flavor in the dish and balances the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right hint of warmth and bite.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers an easy way to boost savory flavor without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the fresh onion for a double punch of sweetness and aroma.
- 1 small onion, diced: Provides a gentle sweetness and texture contrast when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic deepens the flavor and adds aromatic intensity.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced: Brings a pop of color and a subtle sweetness that brightens the dish.
- 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel tomatoes with green chiles, drained: Adds a mild kick and a juicy tomato base essential to the sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Builds a flavorful liquid foundation, keeping everything moist and rich.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Elevates the creaminess and gives the sauce that luscious silkiness.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: The star cheese that melts smoothly for that perfect gooey finish.
- 1/4 cup cooked crumbled bacon: Adds smoky crunch and a savory pop for the finishing touch.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Brings fresh, mild sharpness and a burst of green color on top.
How to Make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Begin by preparing the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain it thoroughly and set aside — this ensures the noodles maintain their perfect, slightly firm bite and won’t get soggy as you build the sauce.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While it heats, season the diced chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is beautifully browned and cooked through. This step locks in juiciness and flavors, creating a solid foundation for the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper to the skillet with your chicken. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant. This aroma signals the build-up of flavor that will soon fill your kitchen—and your plate.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Stir in the drained Rotel tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring everything up to a gentle simmer over medium heat, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes. This step marries the flavors and starts to thicken the sauce, balancing the creamy with a hint of spice and tomato brightness.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. You’ll love how this creates a rich, velvety texture that clings beautifully to every strand of spaghetti.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat each noodle with the luscious sauce. Make sure every bite gets a perfect balance of chicken, cheese, and veggies.
Step 7: Final Toppings
Sprinkle the cooked crumbled bacon and sliced green onions over the top for added flavor and texture. If you want to take it even further, add extra Monterey Jack cheese before serving warm for that melty, irresistible finish.
How to Serve Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe with garnishes that add both flavor contrast and visual appeal. Complement the smooth creaminess with freshly chopped green onions for a mild sharpness, or add a sprinkle of extra crumbled bacon for crunch and smoky depth. A dash of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley can add a refreshing herbal note if you want to mix things up.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that don’t compete but rather complement the rich flavors. A crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides balance, while garlic bread or warm corn tortillas can help mop up every drop of the delicious sauce. Roasted vegetables or steamed green beans are great options for adding a healthy crunch and color contrast as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, bake your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe in a casserole dish topped with extra cheese and bake until golden and bubbly. Or serve it in individual ramekins topped with bacon and scallions for an elegant presentation that will wow guests. Wrapping a serving in warm tortillas for a quick taco-style meal also works beautifully for casual gatherings or lunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Monterey Chicken Spaghetti keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it promptly to keep the creamy sauce fresh and the chicken tender without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for later, freeze the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best results, leave off the bacon and green onions until reheating so they don’t lose texture or flavor during freezing.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Top with fresh green onions and crispy bacon after warming to refresh the original flavors and textures.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic here, you can easily swap in fettuccine, penne, or even rotini. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type to maintain the right texture.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Yes, using Pepper Jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack adds a mild heat. You can also add extra diced green chiles or a pinch of cayenne powder when making the sauce for more kick.
Can I substitute the heavy cream for a lighter option?
You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce, but keep in mind it won’t be quite as rich and creamy. Mixing in a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch can help maintain thickness.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Make sure to cook the diced chicken over medium-high heat just until browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes. Avoid overcooking by keeping an eye on it and stirring occasionally for even cooking.
What if I don’t have Rotel tomatoes with green chiles?
Regular diced tomatoes work just fine. You can spice them up by adding a bit of chopped jalapeño or a dash of chili powder to maintain the dish’s signature flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe—its blend of creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy notes hits all the right comfort food buttons. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this dish brings warmth, ease, and lots of smiles to the table. Give it a try soon, and I promise it will become one of your go-to favorites too!
Print
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting American main course featuring tender, seasoned chicken sautéed with bell peppers and onions, combined with spaghetti tossed in a creamy sauce made of Rotel tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, and melted Monterey Jack cheese. The dish is finished with crispy bacon crumbles and fresh green onions for added flavor and texture, making it a flavorful and satisfying pasta meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Vegetables and Sauce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel tomatoes with green chiles, drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, plus extra for topping
Toppings
- 1/4 cup cooked crumbled bacon
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Prepare the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Season and cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked through.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and liquids: Stir in the drained Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Melt the cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Toss with pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy chicken and vegetable sauce.
- Add toppings and serve: Sprinkle the cooked crumbled bacon and sliced green onions over the pasta. If desired, top with extra Monterey Jack cheese. Serve the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti warm and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, add an additional 1/4 cup of heavy cream when stirring in the cheese.
- Substitute Monterey Jack cheese with Pepper Jack cheese to add a spicy kick to the dish.
- You can prepare the bacon ahead of time or use pre-cooked bacon to save time.
- Make sure to drain the Rotel tomatoes well to avoid excess liquid in the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
