If you’re searching for a family-friendly meal that strikes the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and just a little bit spicy, look no further than Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: A Delicious & Easy Recipe. This oven-baked pasta bake combines tender chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, smoky spices, and tomatoes with green chilies to create pure comfort in every bite. It’s a weeknight winner that feels like a special occasion, yet comes together with minimal fuss and maximum flavor!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: A Delicious & Easy Recipe so magical? It’s all about combining simple staples to create something irresistible. Every ingredient here brings something unique, whether it’s richness, a pop of color, or a zesty kick that keeps you coming back for more.
- Spaghetti (12 ounces): Classic pasta strands soak up all the creamy sauce and hold everything together beautifully.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps brown the chicken for maximum flavor.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 pound, diced): Provides lean protein and keeps the dish satisfyingly hearty.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Brings savory depth and a bit of sweetness to the base.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma and flavor.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances every other ingredient and ties the flavors together.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Lends the perfect touch of warmth and contrast.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle smokiness that makes the dish extra special.
- Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 ounces, drained): Offer a bright, tangy zip and a very mild heat.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Makes the sauce lusciously creamy without being heavy.
- Cream cheese (1/2 cup, softened): Adds irresistible silkiness to every forkful.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Helps loosen the sauce and packs in extra flavor.
- Monterey Jack cheese (1 1/2 cups, shredded & divided): Delivers melty, gooey goodness with a mellow tang.
- Fresh parsley or green onions (1/4 cup, chopped, optional): Brightens up the finished casserole for a fresh pop.
How to Make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pasta
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for that final, cheesy bake. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain well and set aside. This step ensures your noodles won’t get mushy in the oven and are primed to soak up every bit of creamy sauce.
Step 2: Cook Chicken to Golden Perfection
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm up the olive oil. Add diced chicken, seasoning it right away with salt, black pepper, and that irresistible smoked paprika. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through. This gives your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: A Delicious & Easy Recipe its hearty, flavorful foundation.
Step 3: Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Build the Sauce
Toss the diced onion and minced garlic into your skillet with the chicken. Let them cook another 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Next, stir in the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, cream cheese, and chicken broth. Reduce the heat to low and stir until everything melts into a silky, creamy sauce—about 3 to 4 minutes. The aromas at this point are simply irresistible!
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Cheese
Add your cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the luscious sauce. Now, stir in 1 cup of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese so it melts right into the mixture. This step is what transforms your chicken spaghetti into the cheesiest, dreamiest main dish.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden
Transfer everything to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Monterey Jack cheese on top to create that irresistible golden crust. Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling at the edges. Let it rest for a couple minutes out of the oven, then garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a bright, finishing touch. Your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: A Delicious & Easy Recipe is ready to wow!
How to Serve Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Garnishes
To really make your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: A Delicious & Easy Recipe shine, shower it with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions just before serving. These pops of green add color and a hint of freshness that perfectly balance out the dish’s creamy comfort. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a handful of crispy bacon or sliced jalapeños for an extra restaurant-worthy flourish.
Side Dishes
There’s no wrong way to serve this crowd-pleaser, but I love pairing it with a simple side salad and some crusty garlic bread. The fresh, crisp salad cuts through the richness, and the bread is practically required for scooping up the last bits of that dreamy sauce. Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables are also excellent choices for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your family or guests? Try spooning the spaghetti mixture into individual oven-safe ramekins for personal pasta bakes—kids absolutely love this! You can even top each portion with a different garnish: jalapeños on one, crumbled bacon on another, and fresh herbs on the rest. For potlucks or parties, bake in a disposable foil pan for easy transport and cleanup. It’s Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: A Delicious & Easy Recipe, perfectly tailored to any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers are rare with Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: A Delicious & Easy Recipe, but if you do have extra, you’re in luck! Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature, then cover it tightly or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish actually develops even more flavor as it sits, making lunch or dinner the next day a real treat.
Freezing
Need to plan ahead? Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: A Delicious & Easy Recipe freezes like a dream. Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or use a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat portions in the microwave or, for the whole casserole, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly (about 20 minutes). If the sauce seems a bit thick after chilling, add a splash of milk or chicken broth just before reheating to restore its creamy magic.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: A Delicious & Easy Recipe. Simply shred 3 cups of rotisserie chicken and stir it in with the sauce, then proceed as directed. It saves time and adds extra depth of flavor.
Is there a substitute for Monterey Jack cheese?
Yes, you can substitute mozzarella or a mild cheddar if Monterey Jack isn’t handy. The meltiness and mild taste of Monterey Jack are perfect for this recipe, but these swaps will still give you a deliciously cheesy result.
How spicy is this dish?
The green chilies add just a gentle kick—most find it mild and family-friendly. If you’re spice-shy, feel free to use diced tomatoes without chilies. Want more heat? Add hot sauce or sliced jalapeños to the finished casserole.
Can I make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: A Delicious & Easy Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole (without baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, bake as directed. It’s a lifesaver for busy nights or when you want to host stress-free.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
Greek yogurt is a great swap for sour cream in Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: A Delicious & Easy Recipe. It offers similar creaminess and tang while lightening things up a bit. Use a full-fat version for best results.
Final Thoughts
I hope this recipe inspires you to whip up Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: A Delicious & Easy Recipe for your next family dinner or gathering. It’s creamy, comforting, and just a little bit sassy—the kind of meal that turns an ordinary night into something special. Give it a try and let the cheesy goodness bring big smiles to your table!
Print
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy and flavorful pasta bake that is easy to make and perfect for a comforting family dinner. This dish combines tender chicken, tangy tomatoes, and gooey cheese, all baked to perfection for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (diced)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (divided)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook spaghetti: Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- Sauté chicken: Sauté diced chicken in olive oil with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika until cooked through.
- Add onion and garlic: Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in diced tomatoes, sour cream, cream cheese, and chicken broth until creamy.
- Combine with spaghetti: Add cooked spaghetti and 1 cup of cheese to the skillet; toss to combine.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to a baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish: Garnish with parsley or green onions.
Notes
- For added flavor, top with crispy bacon or jalapeños.
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- Can be assembled ahead and baked when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
