Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

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If you’re craving something rich, hearty, and unforgettable for dinner tonight, this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is it. This recipe fuses the comfort of classic pasta with the bold, smoky flavors of Monterey-seasoned chicken. With tender spaghetti noodles coated in a flavorful garlic-infused oil and juicy seared chicken bites tossed in, this meal delivers the ultimate weeknight indulgence without being complicated.

The best part? It doesn’t need a heavy cream sauce to shine. The natural oils from the seasoned chicken, paired with lightly sautéed garlic and herbs, coat every strand of spaghetti in buttery flavor. Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley for freshness, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality dinner in less than 30 minutes.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Monterey Chicken Spaghetti?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts work beautifully in this recipe. Thighs offer a juicier result with more flavor, while chicken breasts are leaner and slightly firmer when cooked. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces and season well with Monterey seasoning or a smoky blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.

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Ingredients for the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

• Spaghetti: This forms the base of the dish. Choose a quality brand for a satisfying bite that holds up to the garlic and seasoning.
• Chicken (Thighs or Breasts): Adds the protein and main flavor element. Seasoned and sautéed to golden perfection.
• Olive Oil: Used to cook the garlic and coat the pasta for a light, savory finish.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key for a deep, aromatic flavor.
• Monterey Seasoning: You can use store-bought or mix your own with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps carry the flavors across the pasta.
• Fresh Parsley: For garnish and a hint of herbal brightness at the end.

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How To Make the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry and season generously with Monterey seasoning (or your own smoky blend). Set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil and reduce the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss it in the garlic oil. Stir in the butter and a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish with freshly chopped parsley and a pinch of extra seasoning if needed. Serve warm and enjoy every garlicky, savory bite.

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How to Serve and Store This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Serve Monterey Chicken Spaghetti immediately while it’s hot, straight from the skillet. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies for balance. Garlic bread or a warm dinner roll is a great side to soak up the delicious garlicky oil.

To store leftovers, transfer the spaghetti into an airtight container once it has cooled completely. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or chicken broth and warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken tender.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken can work. Just toss it in at the end to warm through.

What pasta alternatives work for this recipe?

You can substitute spaghetti with linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. Just choose something that can hold the garlic oil and seasoning well.

Is Monterey seasoning spicy?

It has a smoky, slightly peppery flavor but isn’t overly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the amount of paprika or adding cayenne.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach would be excellent additions. Sauté them after cooking the chicken.

Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

Yes, just omit the butter or replace it with a plant-based alternative. The richness might change slightly but the garlic oil still carries great flavor.

How do I prevent dry chicken?

Avoid overcooking. Searing the chicken quickly on medium-high heat until just cooked through helps retain moisture.

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Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you loved this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti, here are some other irresistible pasta dishes you’ll want to add to your rotation:

• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine for a zesty, cheesy twist.
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta when you’re craving a cozy cream-based meal.
• One Skillet Sweet Spicy Sticky Chicken Pasta for a sweet-savory flavor punch.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli for a rich, veggie-packed dinner.
• Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta if you’re ready to try a beefy twist on garlicky noodles.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can whip it up again whenever the craving hits: Life with Nina Recipes on Pinterest

Tried this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti? Tell me how it turned out in the comments! Did you stick with spaghetti or try it with linguine? Maybe added mushrooms or went spicy with a dash of cayenne?

I’d love to hear how you made it your own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better, together!

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