Description
Indulgent Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting and creamy pasta dish that combines succulent grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and rich Monterey Jack cheese sauce. Perfect for a quick 40-minute meal that satisfies with its rich flavors and creamy texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces Spaghetti Pasta
- 2 pieces Chicken Breasts
- 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 4 strips Bacon
- 1 tablespoon Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- Salt & Black Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set spaghetti aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a skillet. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken from skillet and let rest before slicing.
- Cook Bacon: In the same skillet, add bacon strips and cook until crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, reserving 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Sauté Garlic: Lower heat, add minced garlic to the reserved bacon drippings and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
- Add Cheese: Gradually stir in Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth. Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired sauce consistency.
- Combine Ingredients: Add cooked spaghetti, sliced chicken, and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the creamy cheese sauce.
- Serve: Plate the dish, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm for a satisfying comfort meal.
Notes
- For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken broth for a lighter flavor.
- Cheddar cheese can be a delicious alternative to Monterey Jack for a sharper taste.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture works best with the creamy sauce.
- Resting chicken after cooking keeps it juicy and flavorful.
