Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with bold Southwestern flavors, this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is your next go-to comfort food. Tender chunks of seasoned chicken are tucked into a bed of spaghetti coated with a smoky Monterey Jack cheese sauce. A hint of garlic and chili adds that satisfying warmth, and fresh herbs give it just the right balance of brightness.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings, this dish combines the soul-soothing heartiness of spaghetti with a Tex-Mex twist that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. It’s rich enough to satisfy yet surprisingly simple to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes, faster cleanup.
Flavor-Packed: Garlic, spices, and creamy cheese come together for a knockout combo.
Kid-Approved: It’s cheesy and familiar with a fun flavor twist.
Meal Prep Friendly: Keeps well and reheats like a dream.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Making Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is straightforward, but a few tools help streamline the process:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: Essential for browning the chicken and preparing the sauce in one vessel.
Large Pot: Used to boil the spaghetti to al dente texture.
Tongs or Pasta Fork: Helps toss the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For slicing chicken and prepping garlic or herbs.
Box Grater (if using block cheese): Freshly grated Monterey Jack melts better than pre-shredded.

Using the right equipment ensures your chicken gets that perfect sear and your sauce is smooth and luscious. It also keeps your workflow organized, making dinner prep enjoyable.

Ingredients for the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Chicken Breast or Thighs: The protein base of the dish. Tender, juicy chicken soaks up all the savory seasonings.
Spaghetti: A hearty pasta that holds the sauce beautifully.
Monterey Jack Cheese: The star of the creamy sauce. Melts smoothly and adds mild, buttery flavor with a hint of tang.
Garlic: Aromatic and essential for building flavor.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
Chicken Broth: Forms the base of the sauce and enhances the chicken’s flavor.
Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce a rich, velvety texture.
Smoked Paprika or Chili Powder: Brings in a subtle heat and smokiness.
Salt & Pepper: To season everything to perfection.
Fresh Parsley or Cilantro: For garnish and a pop of color.

How To Make the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. In a large skillet, heat oil and sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, sauté chopped onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan. Simmer for a few minutes, then gradually stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti

While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti in a separate pot until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add the cooked chicken back to the sauce, followed by the drained spaghetti. Toss well to coat. Add pasta water a bit at a time if the sauce needs thinning. Garnish with herbs before serving.

How to Serve and Store Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Serve this dish hot, right off the stove, topped with fresh parsley or cilantro and a sprinkle of extra cheese if you’re feeling indulgent. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal.

To store, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life. It also freezes well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.