If you are looking for a comforting, cheesy, and delicious dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is an absolute must-try. With tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce, and the gooey goodness of Monterey Jack cheese melting through every strand of spaghetti, this recipe combines simple ingredients into an unforgettable weeknight dinner that everyone will love. It’s quick enough for busy evenings, yet indulgent enough to make any meal feel special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but play crucial roles in creating the delightful balance of flavors, textures, and colors that make this dish shine. Each item brings the right amount of creaminess, savoriness, or freshness needed to build this classic comfort food.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Use tender chicken breasts for a juicy, protein-packed base.
- 8 oz spaghetti (or any pasta of your choice): The perfect vehicle to soak up the creamy sauce, use your favorite noodle.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté vegetables to golden perfection, enhancing flavor.
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped: Adds a mild sweetness and aroma that lifts the dish.
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped: Offers a crunchy texture and vibrant color contrast.
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced: Brings earthiness and a subtle meaty texture.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup: The creamy backbone that makes the sauce rich and smooth.
- 1 cup sour cream: Gives tanginess and luscious creaminess to the sauce.
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully to create that signature ooey-gooey cheese pull.
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: Adds sharpness and depth to complement Monterey Jack.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides subtle warmth and savoriness without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor for extra aroma.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Brings all the flavors into perfect harmony.
- 1/2 cup milk (or chicken broth for a lighter version): Adjusts the sauce consistency and adds a bit of moisture.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of green and a mild herbal note.
How to Make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain it well and set aside to prepare the rich sauce and chicken mixture.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté them for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and just starting to brown. This step builds the savory foundation of the dish.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Stir in the can of cream of chicken soup along with the sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk. Mix everything together well and allow it to cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and heated through. This luscious sauce will coat every bite perfectly.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Cheese
Next, fold in the shredded cooked chicken and 1/2 cup of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes so the cheese melts beautifully and the chicken warms up, marrying all the flavors together in the skillet.
Step 5: Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked spaghetti right into the skillet with the creamy chicken sauce. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure each strand of pasta is generously coated in that irresistible cheesy sauce.
Step 6: (Optional) Bake to Perfection
If you want an extra golden, bubbly finish, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the entire pasta mixture into a greased 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese and the shredded cheddar evenly on top. Bake it for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese on top melts into a bubbly, slightly browned crust. This step makes the dish feel extra special and perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings.
Step 7: Serve
Once baked (or right after combining if you skip baking), sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if you like, and serve warm so that every cheesy, creamy mouthful is enjoyed at its absolute best.
How to Serve Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley on top offers a lovely burst of color and fresh aroma that balances the richness of the cheese and cream. You can also experiment with a pinch of smoked paprika or additional shredded cheese for a personalized touch.
Side Dishes
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. The lightness of these sides contrasts beautifully with the rich pasta, rounding out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti in individual ramekins or bake it in small cast-iron skillets for personal portions. Alternatively, layering it with spinach or sun-dried tomatoes before baking adds extra layers of flavor and color that look stunning on the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Monterey Chicken Spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It retains its creamy texture and flavor wonderfully, making it a perfect quick meal for the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare it ahead of time. After fully cooking and cooling, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and it will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce, stirring occasionally until heated through. If reheating from frozen, oven baking covered with foil helps keep the pasta moist and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use another type of cheese instead of Monterey Jack?
Absolutely! While Monterey Jack gives a mild, creamy melt, cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack can be excellent alternatives depending on your flavor preferences and desired spice level.
Is it necessary to bake the dish?
Baking is optional. It adds a delightful bubbly, browned cheese topping, but the dish can be enjoyed just as deliciously right from the skillet.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like zucchini or use a meat substitute, and make sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Spaghetti is classic, but feel free to use fettuccine, penne, or any pasta you love. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it holds up well in the creamy sauce.
How spicy is the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe?
This recipe is mild, focusing on cheesy, creamy comfort. You can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during the sautéing step to bring in some heat if you like.
Final Thoughts
This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe truly embodies cozy comfort food with a touch of cheesy indulgence that feels like a warm welcome after a long day. I can’t recommend it enough for a busy weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal with family and friends. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself going back for seconds and maybe making it a new favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting and creamy pasta casserole featuring tender shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a rich blend of cheeses. This dish combines cooked spaghetti with a savory cream of chicken soup and sour cream sauce, topped with melted Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses for a deliciously cheesy finish. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s easy to prepare and bake to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Chicken and Pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 2 chicken breasts)
- 8 oz spaghetti (or any pasta of your choice)
Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup milk (or chicken broth for a lighter version)
Cheeses and Garnish
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (divided: 1/2 cup for sauce, 1/2 cup for topping)
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and slightly browned.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk into the skillet with the vegetables. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce is smooth and heated through.
- Add Chicken and Cheese: Mix in the shredded cooked chicken and half of the Monterey Jack cheese (1/2 cup). Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and the chicken is warmed through.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the sauce mixture. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Optional Baking Step: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly top with the remaining Monterey Jack cheese and cheddar cheese.
- Bake the Dish: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth for milk to reduce calories and make the sauce lighter.
- Use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini, if you do not have spaghetti.
- Make sure to drain the pasta well to avoid a watery casserole.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
