Irresistible Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe to Savor

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Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is like a warm hug on a plate, with its delightful blend of juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and savory sauce. keto-friendly dinner ideas Picture this: you take a forkful, and the flavors dance in your mouth—a medley of smoky, cheesy goodness that warms your soul.

This dish reminds me of family gatherings where laughter fills the air and everyone gathers around the table. It’s perfect for cozy nights in or when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat. perfect side salad for pasta Trust me; this recipe will have them coming back for seconds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The ease of preparation makes this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti a weeknight winner
  • With its rich flavors and vibrant colors, it’s sure to please everyone
  • You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins
  • Perfect for gatherings or simple dinners alike!

Family and friends are always amazed at how delicious it is—everyone raves about it every time I make it!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work best; feel free to adjust based on your crowd.

  • Spaghetti: Use whole wheat or regular spaghetti; both cook up beautifully.

  • Bell Peppers: Choose a mix of red, yellow, and green for color and sweetness.

  • Onion: A medium-sized onion adds depth; slice it thinly for even cooking.

  • Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic brings an aromatic punch; use 2-3 cloves depending on your taste.

  • Creamy Alfredo Sauce: Store-bought or homemade; go for a creamy texture that clings to the pasta.

  • Cheddar Cheese: Grated sharp cheddar melts into everything beautifully—who can resist cheese?

  • Olive Oil: A drizzle for sautéing; opt for extra virgin for added flavor.

  • Italian Seasoning: A sprinkle of this blend elevates the dish’s flavor profile.

  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust to personal preference.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep the Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients together on the counter. savory tart to enhance your meal Chop the bell peppers and onion into bite-sized pieces while enjoying their fresh aroma—it’s like a mini veggie party!

Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides (about 5-7 minutes per side). You want them cooked through but juicy!

Add Veggies & Garlic: Toss in chopped bell peppers and onions. Sauté until they soften and the kitchen smells divine—around 4-5 minutes should do it! Then add minced garlic and let it cook just until fragrant.

Pasta Time!: While your chicken and veggies are cooking, boil a pot of salted water. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente—don’t forget to reserve some pasta water before draining. For more inspiration, check out this marry me chicken pasta recipe.

Create the Sauce: Pour in the creamy Alfredo sauce into your skillet with chicken and veggies. Mix well while slowly adding reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired sauce consistency.

Toss Everything Together!: Finally, add drained spaghetti to the skillet. Gently toss everything together over low heat so that each noodle gets coated with that delicious sauce. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top—let it melt slightly before serving.

Now you’ve mastered Monterey Chicken Spaghetti! Enjoy every comforting bite while sharing stories around the dinner table! low carb alternatives for dinner.

You Must Know

  • This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti combines savory flavors with a creamy texture, making it a crowd-pleaser
  • The aroma alone will have everyone flocking to the kitchen
  • Trust me, it’s a meal that sparks joy and laughter at every dinner table

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken for flavor, then cook the pasta while preparing the rich sauce. This method ensures everything is hot and ready to serve at once.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or add veggies like bell peppers and zucchini for extra color. A sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate the dish even further.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if it thickens too much.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For extra flavor, marinate your chicken in garlic and lemon juice before cooking
  • Avoid overcooking pasta to keep it al dente
  • Incorporate fresh herbs right before serving for vibrant flavor and aroma

Cooking this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti always reminds me of family gatherings where everyone devoured it within minutes. The smiles on their faces were priceless! For more inspiration, check out this sticky honey chicken recipe recipe.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare everything in advance and assemble just before serving.

What can I substitute for chicken?

Shrimp or even tofu work well as great alternatives in this recipe.

How do I make it spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to kick up the heat level easily!

Print
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Monterey Chicken Spaghetti


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  • Author: Larissa W.
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6

Description

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting dish that beautifully combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy Alfredo sauce. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. With its rich flavors and delightful aroma, it’s guaranteed to please everyone at the table and have them asking for seconds.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 8 oz spaghetti (whole wheat or regular)
  • 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors, chopped)
  • 1 medium onion (sliced thinly)
  • 23 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 cup creamy Alfredo sauce
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Gather all ingredients and chop bell peppers and onion.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook seasoned chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides (5-7 minutes per side). Ensure they are cooked through but juicy.
  3. Add chopped bell peppers and onions to the skillet; sauté for about 4-5 minutes until softened. Then, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
  4. While cooking the chicken and veggies, boil salted water in a separate pot. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, reserving some pasta water before draining.
  5. Pour in the Alfredo sauce into the skillet with chicken and veggies, mixing well while adding reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
  6. Add drained spaghetti to the skillet; toss gently over low heat to coat noodles in sauce. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and let it melt slightly before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (~350g)
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 44g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Tags:

cheesy pasta / chicken recipe / comfort food / easy recipes / family dinner / healthy meals / pasta dish / Weeknight Dinner

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