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Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: Quick, Cheesy Comfort for Weeknights

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a customizable, quick and comforting Tex-Mex dish that your family will adore.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Spaghetti A sturdy base that holds the flavors well; penne or fusilli can be substitutions.
For the Chicken
  • 2 cups Chicken Breasts Provides protein and flavor; feel free to swap with turkey breast or tofu.
For Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Salt Enhances all flavors in the dish; no substitutes necessary.
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper Adds mild heat; fresh ground is recommended.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Brings aromatic depth; use fresh garlic for more flavor.
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder Complements garlic; fresh onions can be sautéed instead.
For Cooking
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Aids in cooking and flavor development.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Salsa The flavorful base; homemade salsa is recommended.
For Topping
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese Melts beautifully; you can use mozzarella or cheddar.
  • 1/2 cup Bacon Offers smokiness and crunch; turkey bacon is a lighter option.
  • 1/4 cup Green Onions Adds fresh notes; chives or shallots make great garnishes.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, drain, and set aside.
  2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder; let sit for 10 minutes.
  3. Sear the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  4. In the same skillet, add salsa and simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens.
  5. Combine sliced chicken with the salsa in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Toss in the cooked spaghetti and combine for 1-2 minutes to coat.
  7. Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese on the mixture, cover, and let melt over low heat for 2-3 minutes.
  8. Garnish with crumbled bacon and chopped green onions before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 35gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Season chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance for enhanced flavor. Cook spaghetti until just al dente; it will absorb flavors in the skillet.

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