If you are on the hunt for a comforting, cheesy, and downright delicious dinner that everyone will rave about, look no further than this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: Creamy Recipe. It perfectly blends tender chicken, melty Monterey Jack cheese, and a luscious sauce all wrapped around perfectly cooked spaghetti. The combination of simple yet flavorful ingredients creates a satisfying harmony of textures and tastes that makes this baked casserole the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to prepare but feels like a cozy treat coming straight from a cherished family recipe box.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully straightforward with ingredients that bring out rich flavor and amazing texture. Every component plays an essential role, from the creamy soup that adds a velvety touch to the fresh veggies that brighten the dish with color and crunch.
- 12 ounces spaghetti: Cooked al dente to provide the perfect base for absorbing all the creamy goodness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sauté the chicken and vegetables for a flavorful start.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced: Tender protein that soaks up seasonings beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors wonderfully when balanced properly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle garlic essence that complements the cheese and chicken.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Brings sweetness and aromatic flavor to the dish.
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced: Adds a pop of color and slight sweetness for texture contrast.
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced: Offers crunch and a mild peppery note to lift the flavors.
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained: Introduces a gentle kick that wakes up the dish.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup: Essential for the creamy, comforting sauce texture.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tang and richness to balance the cheese’s smoothness.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Helps meld ingredients while keeping everything moist and tender.
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided: The star cheese that melts beautifully and offers a mild, buttery flavor.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish: Provides freshness and a lovely finishing touch.
How to Make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: Creamy Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the diced chicken. Season it with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook the chicken until it develops a nice golden-brown crust and is cooked through, usually about 6 to 8 minutes. This initial step seals in the flavor and builds a delicious base for your casserole.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, toss in the finely chopped onion along with the diced red and green bell peppers. Sauté these colorful veggies for about 3 to 4 minutes until they become tender and fragrant. This layer of vegetables adds sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color that will brighten up the creamy spaghetti casserole.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
To the skillet, stir in the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Mix everything together until the sauce is uniformly combined and creamy. This mixture is going to envelop all the noodles and chicken, bringing that luscious texture and flavor that makes this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: Creamy Recipe so irresistible.
Step 4: Combine with Spaghetti and Cheese
Now fold in the cooked and drained spaghetti along with 1 1/2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure every strand of pasta and piece of chicken is evenly coated with that scrumptious sauce and melty cheese goodness.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly
Transfer the combined mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. Pop the dish into your preheated oven, baking uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. The cheese on top should melt into a golden, bubbly, irresistible crust that invites you to dig right in!
How to Serve Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: Creamy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a crisp, herbaceous note that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, cheesy richness. Don’t underestimate the power of a little green to brighten up every forkful and elevate the presentation.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus. These fresh, lightly cooked vegetables bring balance and help round out the meal with bright, clean flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in mini ramekins or bake this recipe in muffin tins to create single-serving “spaghetti cups,” perfect for parties or kid-friendly dinners. You can also top each serving with a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick if you like things spicy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, they store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen as they rest, making it just as delightful the next day for lunch or dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: Creamy Recipe as well! Just assemble it but skip the baking step. Wrap the dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding an extra 10 minutes if needed.
Reheating
For reheating refrigerated or thawed portions, cover with foil and warm in a 350-degree oven for about 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through. The cheese will melt beautifully again, and the dish will taste just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works wonderfully, you can swap in penne, rotini, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and drain it before mixing with the sauce.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Definitely! Swap Monterey Jack cheese for pepper jack or add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat. The diced tomatoes with green chilies also provide a mild kick, so you can increase the spice level to your taste.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Using pre-cooked chicken saves time. Just shred or dice it and add it in when you mix the sauce ingredients. Flavor might be slightly less intense, so consider seasoning the sauce a bit more.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you prefer, you can use Greek yogurt for a lighter tangy note or cream cheese for added richness. Both work well but may alter the texture slightly.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prep since you can assemble it ahead of time and bake it fresh when you’re ready. Plus, leftovers reheat beautifully for quick future meals.
Final Thoughts
This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: Creamy Recipe quickly becomes a family favorite because of its delightful cheese pull, perfectly seasoned chicken, and creamy sauce that hugs every strand of spaghetti. It’s the kind of comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, ready to brighten any mealtime. I encourage you to try it soon and watch it disappear from your table as everyone asks for seconds!
Print
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: Creamy Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy baked pasta dish that blends tender diced chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies. Combined with rich cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and melted Monterey Jack cheese, this comforting casserole is perfect for a family dinner that’s both hearty and delicious.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti, cooked and drained
Sauces and Cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken and season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for 6–8 minutes until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped onion and diced red and green bell peppers to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Prepare Sauce: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth into the skillet. Mix well to combine all ingredients into a creamy sauce.
- Combine Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti and 1 1/2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese to the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly so the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and cheese.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions before serving hot.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, substitute Monterey Jack cheese with Pepper Jack or add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
