Name: Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces spaghetti noodles; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced); 1 small onion (chopped); 1 green bell pepper (chopped); 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (divided); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)

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If you’re seeking a rich, creamy, and completely satisfying comfort food, look no further than Monterey Chicken Spaghetti. This irresistible baked pasta dish brings together tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and melty Monterey Jack cheese into every twirled forkful. With its golden, bubbly topping and a cozy, creamy sauce, it’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary night into a little culinary celebration. Monterey Chicken Spaghetti just might become your family’s next crave-worthy favorite—you simply can’t go wrong with a dish this delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is how it transforms simple ingredients into a richly flavorful meal. Each item plays its own essential role, contributing texture, color, or that all-important creamy-cheesy goodness.

Spaghetti noodles (12 ounces): These are the classic foundation, providing just the right bite and substance to catch all that luscious sauce.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds subtle richness and helps the onions and peppers reach their sweetest, softest potential.
Cooked chicken (2 cups, shredded or diced): Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for ultimate ease. It adds a hearty, satisfying protein to every bite.
Onion (1 small, chopped): Brings a gentle sweetness and depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.
Green bell pepper (1, chopped): Adds freshness and a pop of color, balancing out the creamy elements.
Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): The key to that classic creamy texture in every Monterey Chicken Spaghetti bite.
Sour cream (1/2 cup): Makes the sauce extra tangy and rich—you’ll notice the difference!
Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Thins out the sauce just enough while infusing another layer of savory flavor.
Monterey Jack cheese (2 cups, shredded & divided): The real star of the show, both inside and melted on top, for ooey-gooey, melty perfection.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a little aromatic punch that lingers beautifully in the creamy sauce.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Brings mellow heat, rounding out the dish’s savory side.
Smoked paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Just a hint of this gives Monterey Chicken Spaghetti a whisper of warmth and color.
Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional): Sprinkling this on top instantly brightens up the pan before serving.

How to Make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Step 1: Prep and Boil the Pasta

Begin by getting your oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). As it heats up, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until it’s just al dente—it’ll finish softening in the oven, so you don’t want it mushy. Drain the noodles, set them aside, and get ready for the next flavor-packed steps.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and green bell pepper, then sauté until they become beautifully soft and fragrant, about 5 to 6 minutes. This little bit of skillet magic builds a savory-sweet base for your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Mixture

Add the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together and watch the sauce take on a gorgeous richness. If you love a little kick, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or a can of diced green chiles now.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Noodles

Now it’s time for that cheesy magic! Toss in 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, letting it melt right into the sauce for dreamy creaminess. Gently fold in your cooked spaghetti, making sure every strand gets coated in all that saucy, cheesy goodness. This is where Monterey Chicken Spaghetti truly comes together.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese over the top—and don’t skimp on those corners! Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. The top should be golden and bubbling, with irresistible cheesy edges just begging to be scooped up.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch

Once your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is golden and bubbling, give it a moment to cool before diving in. If you like, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness that brightens every serving.

How to Serve Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley is a quick way to add freshness and color to your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti. For a little more kick, toss on some sliced green onions or a dusting of extra smoked paprika just before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a few halved cherry tomatoes scattered on top work beautifully, too.

Side Dishes

The creamy, cheesy richness of Monterey Chicken Spaghetti pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad—think mixed greens with a bright vinaigrette. Warm, crusty bread is perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce, while simple steamed broccoli or green beans add a fresh counterpoint on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Monterey Chicken Spaghetti in individual ramekins for a dinner party or family gathering—everyone gets their own mini casserole! Or, scoop the hot, cheesy pasta onto oven-safe dinner plates and give them a minute under the broiler for a restaurant-worthy golden finish. However you serve it, the melty cheese and colorful veggies always look inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti holds up wonderfully as leftovers. Simply let any extras cool to room temperature before covering tightly with foil or transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, your baked spaghetti will stay fresh and tasty for up to three days.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead for busy weeks, Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a freezer champion. Assemble the dish up to the point of baking, then wrap it well and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed—just add a few extra minutes to the oven time if it’s still a bit chilly in the center.

Reheating

Reheat Monterey Chicken Spaghetti in the microwave or covered in the oven at 350°F until thoroughly warmed. If you’re going the oven route, add a splash of chicken broth to keep things nice and creamy. The cheese will remelt beautifully, and the flavors only get more delicious after a day or two.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While Monterey Jack cheese gives this dish its signature stretchiness and mild flavor, you can swap in cheddar, mozzarella, or even a pepper jack for a little extra kick. Just be sure to use a good melting cheese for the best results in your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti.

Is Monterey Chicken Spaghetti spicy?

As written, the recipe is mild and family-friendly. If your household loves heat, feel free to add a can of diced green chiles, a dash of cayenne, or even some sliced jalapeños for a spicier twist.

Can I add more vegetables?

Of course! Mushrooms, diced tomatoes, or even a handful of spinach stirred in with the pasta all work well. Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a great way to use up whatever veggies you have on hand.

What’s the best way to cook the chicken for this recipe?

If you have leftover or rotisserie chicken, this is a perfect opportunity to use it. If starting from scratch, simply poach, roast, or grill a couple of chicken breasts until cooked through, then shred or dice. Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is all about maximizing flavor and minimizing fuss.

Can I make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When it’s dinner time, just bake as directed. It’s perfect for meal prep or getting ahead before company arrives.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a bubbling pan of Monterey Chicken Spaghetti with people you love—it’s pure comfort in casserole form. Give this recipe a try and watch it become an instant hit at your table. Don’t be surprised if you’re asked for the recipe (again and again)!

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

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

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Description

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting and cheesy baked pasta dish that’s perfect for a hearty family dinner. This creamy casserole combines tender spaghetti with seasoned chicken, veggies, and a blend of Monterey Jack cheese, all baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti:

12 ounces spaghetti noodles

Chicken Mixture:

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
1 small onion (chopped)
1 green bell pepper (chopped)
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (divided)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Sauté veggies: In a skillet, sauté onion and bell pepper until softened.
Combine ingredients: Mix cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, spices, and 1 cup of cheese.
Assemble: Toss in cooked spaghetti, transfer to a baking dish, and top with remaining cheese.
Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly.
Garnish: Garnish with parsley before serving.