Description
A comforting and hearty dish combining rich chicken flavors with creamy cheese and pasta, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
Instructions
- Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (or chili powder).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken until it’s cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for about 3–4 minutes.
- Gradually add the Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and melted.
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti in a separate pot until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- Add the cooked chicken and drained spaghetti to the cheese sauce. Toss everything to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve hot!
Notes
For a vegetarian version, swap chicken with a plant-based protein. Feel free to use different types of cheese for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American