Description
This indulgent Monterey Chicken Spaghetti recipe combines tender seared chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy Monterey Jack cheese sauce tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti. Ideal for cozy nights, this comforting dish offers rich flavors and a satisfying creamy texture that will delight the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz Spaghetti Pasta
Chicken & Meat
- 2 pieces Chicken Breasts (rotisserie chicken is a great substitute)
- 6 oz Bacon (or turkey bacon)
Dairy & Liquids
- 2 cups Monterey Jack Cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 cup Chicken Broth (vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
Produce & Aromatics
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons Parsley (finely chopped)
Oils & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or a neutral oil)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water to use later for adjusting the sauce consistency.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from heat and let rest before slicing to retain juices.
- Cook Bacon: In the same skillet, cook diced bacon until crispy, approximately 5-6 minutes. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels, keeping some of the bacon drippings in the skillet for flavor.
- Sauté Garlic and Prepare Sauce: Add the minced garlic to the reserved bacon drippings and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream, allowing the mixture to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to marry the flavors.
- Add Cheese and Adjust Sauce: Lower the heat and gradually add the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted into a creamy sauce. Use the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Toss Together: Combine the drained spaghetti, sliced chicken, and crispy bacon with the cheese sauce in the skillet or a large bowl. Toss gently to coat evenly and ensure every strand is luscious with sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Divide the cheesy chicken spaghetti among bowls. Sprinkle with finely chopped parsley and additional shredded Monterey Jack cheese if desired. Serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut to save time.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Vegetarian option: use vegetable broth and omit bacon or use vegetarian bacon alternatives.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting sauce consistency without thinning flavor.
