Description
Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is your go-to comfort food with a twist. Juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and spaghetti are tossed in a Monterey Jack cream sauce that’s pure magic. Perfect for quick dinner ideas, family meal prep, or cozy food nights, this easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into bold, satisfying flavor. It’s one of those food ideas you’ll want to save for every creamy pasta craving—perfect as a weeknight favorite or a standout dish for guests.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breasts, cooked and sliced
12 oz spaghetti pasta
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
3 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear until golden and cooked through. Slice and set aside.
3. Cook bacon in the same skillet until crispy. Remove and drain, reserving 1 tbsp bacon grease.
4. Add garlic to skillet and sauté until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer 3–4 minutes.
5. Stir in Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth. Add pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.
6. Toss in spaghetti, sliced chicken, and bacon. Mix to coat everything in the sauce.
7. Top with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For extra richness, add 2 tbsp cream cheese to the sauce.
Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut when you’re in a rush.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, quick dinner, easy spaghetti, comfort food, cheesy recipes