If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s bursting with creamy, cheesy goodness, Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a weeknight dinner dream come true. This dish combines tender chicken, smoky bacon, gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked spaghetti all wrapped in a luscious sauce that will have your family running to the table. Everything comes together in one hearty skillet, with pops of color from peppers and onions, making it as visually inviting as it is delicious. One bite and you’ll see why Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is destined to become your new go-to for busy evenings or cozy gatherings!

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Monterey Chicken Spaghetti works together to create layers of flavor, creamy texture, and comforting color. This list proves you don’t need fancy components for irresistibly delicious results; just a handful of essentials you likely already have on hand.

Spaghetti (12 oz): The comforting foundation for this dish, choosing al dente gives the perfect bite.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Provides a silky start for browning the chicken and aromatics.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 pound, diced): Offers lean, juicy protein in every forkful.
Garlic powder (1 tsp): For savory, mellow garlic flavor without fussing with cloves.
Onion powder (1 tsp): Adds extra depth to the sauce and amplifies the aromatic profile.
Paprika (½ tsp): Gives a gentle smokiness and a hint of color.
Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the flavors, tying everything together.
Black pepper (¼ tsp): A subtle kick of warmth that brightens up the creamy sauce.
Diced onion (1 cup): Sweetens as it cooks and brings welcome texture.
Diced bell pepper (1 cup, any color): Pops of color and crunch to balance the rich cheesy base.
Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): The secret shortcut for that ultra-creamy, savory sauce.
Sour cream (1 cup): Lends tartness and velvety body to the sauce.
Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts beautifully for the signature creamy texture.
Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Brings tangy sharpness and a gorgeous golden hue.
Milk (½ cup): Loosens the sauce for perfectly creamy coating.
Cooked and crumbled bacon (½ cup): Imparts smoky, salty bursts that make every bite irresistible.
Fresh parsley (¼ cup, chopped, optional): For a bright finish and pop of green (absolutely worth it!).

How to Make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti according to the package directions, aiming for that golden al dente texture. Drain your pasta and set it aside; it’ll be the silky canvas that soaks up all the glorious flavors later on.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

In a spacious skillet, heat up that olive oil over medium heat. Add in your diced chicken, then sprinkle on the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sauté everything together, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a light golden color, about 6 to 7 minutes. The aromatics will fill your kitchen with the promise of delicious things to come!

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Toss in the diced onion and bell pepper. Stir frequently and cook for another 4 minutes, or until the veggies have softened and their colors become vibrant. They’ll add a subtle sweetness and crunch that perfectly balance the creamy sauce you’re about to make.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, and milk. Keep stirring until the cheeses melt down into rich, saucy bliss. The sauce should be smooth, glossy, and absolutely tempting at this stage. Give it a quick taste—adjust seasoning if you like things a little bolder!

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Add your drained spaghetti right into the skillet. Toss and fold the noodles in the sauce, making sure every strand is coated in that cheesy, chicken-packed goodness. The whole mixture should look comforting and generous, with tempting pockets of veggies and chicken throughout.

Step 6: Finish with Bacon and Parsley

Just before you serve, sprinkle the warm Monterey Chicken Spaghetti with all that glorious crumbled bacon and a generous handful of fresh parsley if you love a pop of green. This step adds irresistible crunch and fresh aroma that ties the whole skillet together.

How to Serve Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Garnishes

For that wow factor, I highly recommend finishing your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti with a little extra cheese, a scattering of crispy bacon, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or scallions. These touches add color, texture, and a bright finish that’s just irresistible.

Side Dishes

This creamy spaghetti is hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, bright roasted vegetables, or a basket of warm garlic bread. The lightness of the sides creates the perfect balance for the cheesy, savory goodness of Monterey Chicken Spaghetti.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, try twirling individual portions into shallow bowls for a stylish restaurant vibe, or serve family-style in a big, colorful casserole dish for cozy, help-yourself dinners. A little sprinkle of extra shredded cheese or even some sliced jalapeños across the top can bring surprise and delight to your presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti makes wonderful leftovers! Once cooled, transfer any extras to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making lunch the next day a real treat.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti, let it cool completely and portion it into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating—this keeps the sauce creamy and prevents the pasta from going mushy.

Reheating

For a quick serving, microwave individual portions in 45-second bursts, stirring between each to ensure even heating. For a larger batch, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen up the sauce. Top with a little extra cheese and bacon to revive all the best flavors!

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape for Monterey Chicken Spaghetti?

Absolutely! While classic spaghetti gives a nostalgic feel, feel free to swap in fettuccine, penne, or rotini. Just cook your pasta al dente and follow the rest of the recipe as written—the creamy sauce pairs beautifully with any shape that holds up under all that flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti sauce and pasta ahead, store them separately or combined, and gently reheat before serving. If you want to bake it with an extra layer of cheese, assemble it up to a day in advance and pop it in the oven right before mealtime.

Is there a way to make it spicier?

If you love a little heat, try adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the vegetables. Pepper jack cheese is also a great substitute for some or all of the Monterey Jack for a spicy twist on Monterey Chicken Spaghetti!

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

If you prefer a homemade touch, whisk together 1 cup chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream, thickened with a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch. Season to taste and use in place of the canned soup for a from-scratch Monterey Chicken Spaghetti experience.

How can I make this recipe gluten free?

Easy! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and be sure to choose a gluten-free cream of chicken soup. All the delicious cheesy, creamy flavors of Monterey Chicken Spaghetti will still shine through.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about sharing a big, bubbling skillet of Monterey Chicken Spaghetti with the people you love. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, melted cheese, and a little kick of bacon, every forkful feels like a little celebration. Give this recipe a try and watch it turn even the simplest night into a delicious memory!

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti recipe is a creamy and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, and a rich cheese sauce topped with crispy bacon. It’s a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti:

12 oz spaghetti

Chicken:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (diced)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce:

1 cup diced onion
1 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup milk

Additional Toppings:

½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes.
Prepare the Sauce: Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 4 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir in cream of chicken soup, sour cream, Monterey Jack, cheddar cheese, and milk. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine and Serve: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Sprinkle with crumbled bacon and parsley before serving.

Notes

For a baked version, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with extra cheese and bacon, and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
You can substitute rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American