Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, savory spaghetti, and the richness of melted cheese, all brought together with a deliciously creamy sauce. This comforting casserole-style recipe has everything you need—protein, carbs, and plenty of cheesy goodness—all in one dish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual gathering, this easy-to-make dish will surely be a hit at the dinner table.

Why You’ll Love Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

This dish is more than just a simple pasta—here’s why it stands out:

Flavor-Packed

With the combination of grilled chicken, creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, every bite is bursting with flavor.

Easy to Make

No need for a complicated recipe here! This dish comes together quickly with minimal prep, making it perfect for weeknights or busy weekends.

Cheesy Goodness

The creamy, cheesy sauce is the star of this dish. With both Monterey Jack cheese and cheddar cheese, it’s a cheesy lover’s dream!

Versatile

You can customize the recipe to your liking—add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, or switch up the cheese for something different.

One-Dish Wonder

This recipe is baked all in one dish, which means less cleanup after dinner. It’s perfect for a hassle-free meal.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this delicious Monterey Chicken Spaghetti:

Chicken Breasts

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used for this recipe. Grill, bake, or sauté them until cooked through and then slice or shred.

Spaghetti

Classic spaghetti is used as the base of this dish. You can substitute with other pasta shapes like penne or rotini if you prefer.

Monterey Jack Cheese

Monterey Jack cheese is mild, creamy, and melts beautifully, adding that perfect cheesy texture to the casserole.

Cheddar Cheese

Sharp cheddar cheese provides a tangy flavor that complements the mild Monterey Jack cheese perfectly.

Cream of Chicken Soup

This canned soup creates a creamy base for the sauce, giving the dish its rich, comforting texture.

Sour Cream

Sour cream helps make the sauce creamy and adds a slight tang that balances out the richness of the cheese.

Chicken Broth

Chicken broth is used to thin out the sauce and add a savory depth of flavor to the dish.

Garlic Powder

Garlic powder enhances the flavor of the sauce and adds a nice, savory kick to the overall dish.

Salt and Pepper

Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the flavors are well balanced.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Here’s how to make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti:

1. Cook the Chicken

Cook the chicken breasts in a skillet over medium heat, grilling or sautéing until they are cooked through (about 7-10 minutes per side). Shred or slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

2. Cook the Spaghetti

Boil a pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce

In a large bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

4. Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked spaghetti, and the prepared sauce. Stir in half of the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, making sure everything is evenly coated.

5. Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the chicken and pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly and top with the remaining shredded cheese.

6. Bake the Casserole

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or chopped green onions if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 450
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 28g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 950mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a perfect side to scoop up all the creamy, cheesy goodness from this dish.

Steamed Vegetables

Pair this casserole with steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots for a balanced meal.

Green Salad

Serve with a light, fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the casserole.

Additional Tips

• Cook the Chicken Ahead of Time: If you’re short on time, you can grill or sauté the chicken breasts the day before to speed up the cooking process.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For an even quicker meal, shredded rotisserie chicken works great in this dish.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Add Vegetables: You can easily add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the casserole to increase the vegetable content.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can prepare the casserole in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q2: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A2: Yes! You can use other cheeses like mozzarella, Colby Jack, or pepper jack for different flavor variations.

Q3: Can I substitute the chicken breasts with another protein?
A3: Yes! Feel free to use shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even ground chicken or beef for a different take on this dish.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven until heated through.

Q5: Can I freeze this casserole?
A5: Yes, this casserole freezes well! After assembling, cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

Q6: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A6: Absolutely! Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a boost of flavor and nutrition.

Q7: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A7: Yes! You can use penne, rotini, or any pasta shape you like, but spaghetti works best for this dish.

Q8: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A8: Yes! Use dairy-free sour cream, cheese, and a dairy-free cream of chicken soup substitute for a dairy-free version.

Q9: Can I make this casserole spicier?
A9: Yes! Add diced jalapeños, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, or some hot sauce to the sauce for added spice.

Q10: How do I make the casserole more creamy?
A10: For an extra creamy casserole, try adding a little more sour cream or some cream cheese to the sauce.

Conclusion

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food. With its cheesy, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and satisfying pasta, it’s a dish that will please everyone at the dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a meal for a gathering, this casserole is sure to impress. Enjoy this rich, flavorful dish!

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