Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

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Say hello to your new weeknight favorite: Monterey Chicken Spaghetti. It’s a flavor-packed fusion of creamy cheese sauce, savory grilled chicken, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, all tossed together with a touch of smoky bacon and herbs. This comforting dish brings together all the cozy elements of a baked casserole with the quick-cooking convenience of stovetop pasta.

Each bite is layered with juicy bites of chicken, rich Monterey Jack cheese, and the slight crunch of crispy bacon, making this recipe both satisfying and family-friendly. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, Monterey Chicken Spaghetti hits all the right notes for easy comfort food with a delicious twist.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great for this recipe, especially if you’re looking for lean, tender bites. Grilled chicken adds a smoky flavor that mimics a BBQ-style Monterey chicken, but you can also use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut. Want a richer taste? Swap in boneless thighs—they bring extra moisture and bold flavor to the table.

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Ingredients for the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Chicken Breasts – Sliced or shredded, the protein base of this dish.

Spaghetti Pasta – Soaks up the creamy, cheesy sauce while giving it structure.

Monterey Jack Cheese – The star of the sauce: creamy, melty, and mildly tangy.

Bacon – Cooked until crispy, adding smoky depth and crunch.

Garlic – A must-have for boosting savory richness.

Heavy Cream – Gives the sauce that velvety texture and richness.

Chicken Broth – Adds depth and balances the creamy elements.

Parsley – Fresh and vibrant, this brightens up the final dish.

Salt & Black Pepper – Simple seasonings that elevate everything.

Olive Oil – For cooking the chicken and garlic without overpowering the flavor.

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How To Make the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear until golden on both sides and cooked through. Remove from the skillet, let it rest, then slice or shred.

Step 3: Crisp the Bacon

In the same skillet, add the bacon and cook until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings for added flavor.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Reduce heat to medium-low and add minced garlic to the bacon drippings. Cook until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream, letting it simmer for 3–4 minutes.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Add shredded Monterey Jack cheese to the sauce, stirring constantly until smooth and melted. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add cooked spaghetti, sliced chicken, and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything in the creamy sauce.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped fresh parsley and extra cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, savory goodness!

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Serving and Storing Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

This creamy chicken pasta is best served right away, hot and melty from the pan. Serve it in wide bowls to let the sauce cling to every strand of pasta, and finish with a sprinkle of parsley or even some red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.

To store, let the spaghetti cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s silkiness.

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What to Serve With Monterey Chicken Spaghetti?

Cheesy Garlic Bread

The ultimate sidekick to soak up all that creamy sauce.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and tangy dressing offer the perfect contrast.

Roasted Broccoli

A healthy, earthy side that pairs beautifully with the richness of the dish.

Honey Glazed Carrots

Add a touch of sweetness that balances the smoky and savory flavors.

Caprese Skewers

Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze add a light and vibrant option.

Lemon Asparagus

The citrusy brightness cuts through the creaminess for a refreshing bite.

Iced Tea or Lemonade

Keep it simple and refreshing with cold drinks to wash it all down.

Chocolate Lava Cake (for dessert)

End your comfort meal on a rich, indulgent note.

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Want More Cheesy Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is your kind of comfort food, try these deliciously cheesy favorites too:

• Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese for a sweet-and-savory twist.
• Garlic Butter Steak Parmesan Rigatoni if you’re craving something beefy and bold.
• Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Gravy for cozy weeknight vibes.
• Baked Ranch Chicken Tacos for a crunchy, creamy Tex-Mex spin.
• Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Rolls if you love pasta and creamy sauces in fun new forms.

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this comfort food hero to your Pinterest board so you can find it again anytime the craving hits.

Tried a spicy twist? Or added mushrooms and extra cheese? Let us know how it turned out in the comments below.

Need daily food inspiration? Browse more of my creations at SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest. There’s always something new to love.

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