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Monterey Chicken Spaghetti combines tender chicken, tasty pasta, and gooey cheese. This dish is fun to make and even better to eat. You’ll find that the flavors blend well and please everyone at the table. Here are the key ingredients for this delicious meal: - 8 oz spaghetti - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup corn (fresh or canned) - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese - 1/2 cup green onions, sliced - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional) - 1/2 cup BBQ sauce You can switch out some ingredients to make it your own: - Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option. - Substitute chicken with firm tofu for a vegetarian twist. - Add bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies. - Swap BBQ sauce for teriyaki for a different flavor. Feel free to get creative! Each change can bring new tastes to your plate. Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add a pinch of salt. Once the water is boiling, add 8 oz of spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking. When it’s ready, drain the spaghetti in a colander and set it aside. While the spaghetti cooks, take the two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Make sure to cover the chicken well with spices. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. After resting, slice the chicken into strips. In the same skillet, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of corn. Sauté them for about 2 to 3 minutes. You want the tomatoes to soften a bit. Next, add the sliced chicken back into the skillet. Then, toss in the drained spaghetti and 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce. Stir everything together well. Finally, add half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for about 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the cheese melt nicely. When it’s all melted, remove it from the heat. Top with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro if you like. Enjoy your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti! To make the best chicken for your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti, start with fresh chicken breasts. Trim off any fat for even cooking. Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken to a uniform thickness. This ensures it cooks evenly. Season the chicken well with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb those flavors. When you cook, use medium heat. This helps the chicken brown nicely without burning. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes. Check if it's golden brown and cooked through. Always let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy. For the cheese to melt perfectly, use Monterey Jack cheese. It has great melting qualities. After you combine the spaghetti and chicken, sprinkle half the cheese into the skillet. Then, cover the skillet with a lid. This traps steam and helps the cheese melt evenly. Keep the heat low to avoid burning. Let it melt for about 2-3 minutes. Once melted, you can add more cheese on top before serving for that extra cheesy goodness. When serving Monterey Chicken Spaghetti, think about presentation. Use deep bowls to hold the pasta and toppings. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh crunch. If you like, add a sprinkle of cilantro for a burst of color. You can also serve it with a side salad or garlic bread. This adds freshness and balances the meal. For a fun twist, offer extra BBQ sauce on the side. This way, guests can drizzle more sauce on their pasta if they wish. Enjoy your delicious meal! {{image_2}} You can easily make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti vegetarian or vegan. Start by swapping the chicken for plant-based protein. Tofu or chickpeas work well. You can also use your favorite meat substitutes. For a vegan twist, choose a dairy-free cheese. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. To change the spice level, you can play with the seasonings. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also mix in jalapeños for a fresh kick. For milder flavors, reduce the smoked paprika. This keeps the dish tasty without overwhelming spice. Seasonal vegetables brighten up this dish. In summer, add zucchini or bell peppers for a fresh taste. In fall, consider adding spinach or kale for extra nutrients. Use whatever is fresh at the market. This not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the dish's health benefits. To keep your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti fresh, store it in an airtight container. Allow it to cool first. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, reheating is easy. You can use the microwave or stovetop. If using the microwave, heat for one minute, then stir. If using the stovetop, add a splash of water and warm it gently over low heat. This keeps the pasta from drying out. Freezing this dish is a great option. Portion it into individual servings in freezer-safe containers. It can last for about three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This makes for a quick and tasty meal later on! You can use several cheese types. Cheddar cheese works well as a substitute. It adds a nice sharp flavor. Mozzarella is also a great choice for a mild and creamy taste. If you want a dairy-free option, try cashew cheese or almond cheese. Both melt well and taste great. Yes, you can easily make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti gluten-free. Use gluten-free spaghetti instead of regular pasta. Many brands offer tasty options made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Just ensure that your BBQ sauce is also gluten-free. Check the label to be safe. Monterey Chicken Spaghetti lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for best results. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure to cool it down before placing it in the fridge. In this blog post, we've explored how to make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti. You learned about key ingredients and how to prepare them. The step-by-step instructions guide you through cooking the chicken and mixing it all together. I shared helpful tips for perfecting your dish and variations to fit your taste. Finally, I covered storage methods to keep leftovers fresh. Remember, cooking is fun! Use your creativity and enjoy every bite of your meal.

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this delicious Monterey Chicken Spaghetti recipe! Packed with flavors from smoked paprika, BBQ sauce, and Monterey Jack cheese, this dish combines tender chicken, sweet corn, and juicy cherry tomatoes for a meal that's both hearty and satisfying. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, click through to discover how easy it is to make this crowd-pleaser at home!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz spaghetti

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup corn (fresh or canned)

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1/2 cup green onions, sliced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

1/2 cup BBQ sauce

Instructions
 

Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.

      In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown. Remove from skillet and let it rest for a few minutes.

        In the same skillet, add the cherry tomatoes and corn; sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften.

          Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return to the skillet. Add the drained spaghetti, BBQ sauce, and half of the Monterey Jack cheese. Toss well to combine.

            Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, covering the skillet with a lid. Allow the cheese to melt for about 2-3 minutes.

              Once the cheese is melted, remove from heat. Top with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro if using.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 30 min | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti in bowls, garnished with additional cheese and a sprinkle of cilantro for a pop of color.