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- 8 ounces spaghetti - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded - 1 cup zucchini, diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) Each ingredient in Monterey Chicken Spaghetti plays a key role. The spaghetti serves as the base. It holds all the flavors together. The cooked chicken adds protein and heartiness. Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully. It creates a creamy texture that binds the dish. The vegetables bring freshness and color. Zucchini adds a slight crunch, while the red bell pepper brings sweetness. The onion enhances the flavor base. Garlic powder and Italian seasoning give depth to the dish. Salt and pepper balance the flavors. Olive oil is essential for sautéing the vegetables. It adds richness and helps the veggies cook evenly. Fresh parsley can brighten up the dish when sprinkled on top. It adds a pop of green and a hint of freshness. Each ingredient works together to create a meal that is not only tasty but also visually appealing. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, boil 8 ounces of spaghetti in a big pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until it is tender. Once done, drain the spaghetti in a colander and set it aside. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small chopped onion, 1 cup of diced zucchini, and 1 diced red bell pepper. Sauté the veggies for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir them until they become tender and fragrant. Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Add 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir well to mix it with the veggies. Pour in 2 cups of tomato sauce, along with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it all up and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Once the sauce is ready, gently fold in the drained spaghetti. Make sure the pasta is well coated with the chicken and veggie mix. Next, sprinkle half of the 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top. Cover the skillet with a lid for a few minutes. This helps the cheese melt nicely. After a few minutes, remove the lid and sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top. Let it melt for another few minutes. Finally, take the skillet off the heat and let it cool slightly. You can add fresh parsley on top for a pop of color before serving. Enjoy your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti! To cook spaghetti al dente, use salty water. The water should taste like the sea. Boil the spaghetti for 8-10 minutes. Check the package for exact times. Stir the pasta to prevent sticking. Taste a strand to know if it’s ready. You want it firm to the bite. Drain the spaghetti and save some water. This starchy water can help bind your sauce later. You can boost the flavor of your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti easily. Start with fresh herbs like basil or oregano. Add them during cooking for a fresh taste. If you like heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. You can also use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a stronger kick. Taste your dish as you go. Adjust salt and pepper to fit your liking. This way, every bite is packed with flavor. To get that perfect gooey cheese texture, use shredded Monterey Jack cheese. It melts beautifully. Layer half the cheese on before covering the skillet. This helps it melt into the dish. After a few minutes, add the rest of the cheese on top. Cover again for a few more minutes. If you want it extra melty, place the skillet under a broiler for a minute. Just watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. Pro Tips Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken, making it even quicker to prepare. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute any of your favorite vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for added nutrition and flavor. Cheese Variations: While Monterey Jack is delicious, try mixing in other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for a different taste profile. Make It Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it in the oven for a quick meal during the week. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in Monterey Chicken Spaghetti. Try using turkey instead of chicken. Ground turkey works well and adds a nice flavor. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick option. If you prefer a meatless meal, use chickpeas or tofu. Both options add protein and make the dish satisfying. Feel free to mix in different vegetables. Broccoli, spinach, or carrots can add color and nutrition. You can also replace zucchini with mushrooms for a savory touch. Just make sure to chop the veggies into small pieces to cook evenly. This way, you'll have a tasty and colorful dish that pleases everyone. Monterey Jack cheese is great, but you can explore other cheeses too. Cheddar cheese gives a sharp flavor that many enjoy. Mozzarella adds a gooey texture that's fun. For a twist, try pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick. Each cheese brings a unique taste, so have fun experimenting with your favorites! To keep your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it has cooled down first. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To reheat your spaghetti, use the microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place it in a bowl and cover it. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between to keep it moist. On the stovetop, warm it gently over low heat. Add a splash of water or extra sauce if it seems dry. This helps bring back the flavor without making it mushy. To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Label them with the date. Monterey Chicken Spaghetti can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. After that, reheat it using the tips above. This way, you get a tasty meal without much hassle! Yes, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds flavor. Just shred the chicken before adding it to your dish. This will cut down your prep time and make cooking easier. Look for plain or lightly seasoned chicken to keep flavors balanced. To make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti gluten-free, swap regular spaghetti for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options made from rice or corn. Always check labels to ensure they meet gluten-free standards. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Monterey Chicken Spaghetti pairs well with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette works nicely. You can also serve garlic bread on the side for a tasty option. Another great choice is steamed veggies to keep it healthy and colorful. This blog post shared a simple recipe for Monterey Chicken Spaghetti. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and useful tips. You learned how to tailor flavors and explore variations. Cooking can be fun and easy with this dish. Try new ingredients and enjoy the results. Cooking brings joy to many, and this pasta recipe is perfect for any meal.

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

A delicious spaghetti dish featuring shredded chicken, vegetables, and melted Monterey Jack cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces spaghetti
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup zucchini, diced
  • 1 unit red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste unit salt and pepper
  • for garnish unit fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by cooking the spaghetti according to package instructions in a large pot of salted water. Drain and set aside once tender.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, zucchini, and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  • Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables.
  • Pour in the tomato sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well and allow it to simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Mix the cooked spaghetti into the skillet, blending it well with the chicken and vegetable mixture.
  • Sprinkle half of the Monterey Jack cheese on top of the spaghetti and cover the skillet with a lid for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
  • Remove the lid, and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, allowing it to melt for another few minutes.
  • Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before serving.
  • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired before plating.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.
Keyword cheese, chicken, spaghetti, vegetables