Description
Indulgent Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, comforting pasta dish featuring tender grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious Monterey Jack cheese sauce. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy-to-make recipe combines rich flavors and satisfying textures perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or cozy comfort meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces Spaghetti Pasta
Protein
- 2 pieces Chicken Breasts
- 4 strips Bacon
Cheese & Dairy
- 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
Liquids
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
Aromatics & Herbs
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Seasoning
- Salt & Black Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from skillet and let rest before slicing.
- Cook Bacon: In the same skillet, add bacon strips and cook for 5-6 minutes until crispy. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, reserving 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Sauté Garlic: Lower the heat, add minced garlic to the reserved bacon drippings, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make Sauce: Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer the mixture for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add Cheese: Gradually stir in Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Combine Ingredients: Add cooked spaghetti, sliced chicken, and crumbled bacon to the sauce. Toss gently until everything is well-coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Plate the chicken spaghetti and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm for a delicious comfort meal.
Notes
- For a lighter cream sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth for a milder flavor.
- Cheddar cheese can be used instead of Monterey Jack for a sharper taste.
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce consistency.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
