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Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Quick and Cheesy Monterey Chicken Spaghetti for Easy Weeknights

This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a quick, one-pan dinner perfect for weeknights, combining cheesy Monterey Jack, zesty salsa, and tender chicken in under an hour.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Spaghetti Classic pasta choice that absorbs flavor.
For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces Chicken Breasts (boneless and skinless) Lean protein that cooks quickly.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Salsa Zesty option for bold flavor.
For the Cheese
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese Melts beautifully for a creamy layer.
For the Crunch
  • 4 slices Cooked Bacon (crumbled) Adds smoky flavor and texture.
For the Freshness
  • 2 tablespoons Green Onions (chopped) Brightens the dish as garnish.
For Cooking
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For searing the chicken.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Large Skillet
  • cutting board

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions, typically around 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5–7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Transfer the browned chicken to a cutting board and let it rest a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
  5. In the same skillet, add salsa and simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Return sliced chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the salsa, cooking for an additional 2–3 minutes.
  7. Add drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss until well-coated with the sauce.
  8. Sprinkle Monterey Jack cheese over the top and cover to let it melt on low heat for 2–3 minutes.
  9. Top with crumbled bacon and green onions before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 34gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use spaghetti for best flavor absorption; experiment with different salsas for variety.

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