Description
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting and flavorful baked pasta dish featuring tender chicken breasts, sautéed vegetables, salsa, and melted Monterey Jack cheese. This easy-to-make recipe combines simple ingredients to create a hearty meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked spaghetti
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup salsa
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the assembled dish.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the boneless chicken breasts and cook until browned on all sides and fully cooked through.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in chopped bell pepper, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the skillet with the chicken. Cook until the vegetables soften slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Salsa: Mix the cooked spaghetti and salsa into the skillet with the chicken and vegetable mixture until everything is well combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the spaghetti and chicken mixture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, choose a salsa with jalapeños or add crushed red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute bell pepper with other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
- Use shredded rotisserie chicken as a shortcut to reduce cooking time.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
