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Monterey Chicken Spaghetti
John

Creamy Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

A rich and comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles in a velvety Monterey Jack cheese sauce with hints of Southwestern spice.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southwestern
Calories: 620

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Protein
  • 12 oz spaghetti noodles
  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 6 strips bacon chopped
Vegetables and Aromatics
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper diced
  • 1 medium poblano pepper seeded and diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
Sauce Ingredients
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese freshly shredded recommended
Seasonings
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • fresh cilantro for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy, about 6-7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving 2 tablespoons bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin. Add to the bacon fat and cook 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside with bacon.
  4. Add diced onion, red bell pepper, and poblano pepper to the same pan. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let simmer for 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream and sour cream until smooth and heated through, about 2 minutes. Do not let boil.
  7. Return cooked chicken and bacon to the pan. Gradually stir in shredded Monterey Jack cheese, stirring constantly until melted and creamy.
  8. Add cooked spaghetti to the pan and toss well to coat every strand in sauce. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water 1-2 tablespoons at a time until desired consistency.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of cream or broth.
Make Ahead: Prep vegetables and chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Store separately and cook when ready.
Substitutions: Use rotisserie chicken for faster prep, substitute pepper jack for spicier flavor, or swap Greek yogurt for sour cream.