Looking for a satisfying, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and the comforting texture of pasta? Look no further than Monterey Chicken Spaghetti! This easy-to-make recipe is a perfect balance of savory and creamy, offering a delicious twist on traditional chicken spaghetti. Whether you’re preparing a family meal or serving guests at a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress.
What Is Monterey Chicken Spaghetti?
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a mouthwatering casserole-style dish that layers cooked spaghetti with seasoned chicken, a creamy sauce, and melted cheese. The combination of tender chicken, gooey cheese, and flavorful spices creates a rich and indulgent meal that everyone will love. It’s the perfect option for a hearty dinner that’s quick to prepare and sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts (boneless and skinless)
- Spaghetti (cooked al dente)
- Cream of Chicken Soup (or substitute with a homemade cream sauce)
- Sour Cream (adds extra creaminess)
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (for melting)
- Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese (for a creamy texture)
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder (for flavor)
- Cajun Seasoning (optional, for a bit of spice)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
- Chopped Green Onions (optional, for garnish)
- Olive Oil (for cooking the chicken)
How to Make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and optional Cajun seasoning. Heat a pan over medium heat and add olive oil. Cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes per side). Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and let it rest before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Prepare the Spaghetti
While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This will serve as the creamy base of the dish.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large casserole dish, combine the cooked spaghetti, sliced chicken, and creamy sauce. Stir everything together until evenly coated.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Top the spaghetti and chicken mixture with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese. The more cheese, the better! This will melt into the pasta, creating a creamy and cheesy topping.
Step 6: Bake the Dish
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions for an added burst of color and flavor. Serve with a side salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Monterey Chicken Spaghetti
- Make it Spicy: If you love a bit of heat, try adding diced jalapeños to the sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top before baking.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker option, substitute the cooked chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for a unique twist on this dish.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version of this comforting recipe.
Why You’ll Love Monterey Chicken Spaghetti
This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti recipe is not only rich and cheesy, but it’s also incredibly versatile. It can be customized to suit your tastes by adjusting the seasonings, adding vegetables, or changing up the type of cheese. Plus, it’s an easy make-ahead dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or potluck parties.
With its creamy texture, tender chicken, and flavorful pasta, this dish is bound to become a staple in your recipe rotation. It’s hearty, satisfying, and guaranteed to leave you coming back for more!
Serving and Storage Tips for Monterey Chicken Spaghetti
Serving Tips:
- Pair with a Side Salad: To balance out the richness of the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti, serve it with a light, crisp side salad. A simple mixed green salad with a vinaigrette dressing works perfectly.
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Add some garlic bread or soft breadsticks on the side to soak up the creamy sauce. It’s a great way to round out the meal and add an extra indulgent touch.
- Garnish for Color: Enhance the presentation by garnishing with freshly chopped green onions, parsley, or even a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese. This will add color and a fresh flavor contrast to the dish.
- Serve with a Drink: This dish pairs well with a variety of drinks. A crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay, or a refreshing iced tea, complements the creamy, cheesy flavor of the spaghetti.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerating Leftovers: Leftover Monterey Chicken Spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the casserole is fully cooled before storing it to maintain the best flavor and texture.
- Freezing: If you’d like to make this dish ahead of time, it’s freezer-friendly! After assembling the casserole (but before baking), cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until it’s heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, though the oven will help retain the creamy texture and crispness of the cheese topping.
- Avoid Overbaking Leftovers: When reheating, be careful not to overcook the dish, as the pasta can become mushy. Keep an eye on it, and if needed, cover with foil to prevent the top from over-browning.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy this creamy and cheesy Monterey Chicken Spaghetti dish multiple times without sacrificing its flavor or texture!
1. Can I make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare Monterey Chicken Spaghetti in advance. After assembling the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 1 day before baking. When ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and cook as directed. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or entertaining.
2. Can I substitute the chicken with something else?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different protein, you can substitute the chicken with cooked ground turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even shredded beef. For a vegetarian version, try using sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or plant-based protein as a substitute for the chicken.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti, you can include diced jalapeños in the sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top before baking. You can also use a spicier cheese, such as pepper jack, or add hot sauce to the cream sauce mixture.
4. Can I freeze Monterey Chicken Spaghetti?
Yes, you can freeze Monterey Chicken Spaghetti for later use. After assembling the casserole (before baking), cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake it, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as usual.
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti
This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting casserole dish loaded with tender spaghetti, juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and a creamy Monterey Jack cheese sauce. Topped with even more cheese and baked to golden perfection, it’s a family favorite that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great!)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 1/2 cups of Monterey Jack cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and cheese sauce. Mix until everything is well coated.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for a golden, crispy top (optional).
6. Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Add Veggies: Mix in cooked spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrients.
- Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Adjust baking time to ensure it’s heated through.