Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate crowd-pleaser: a creamy, cheesy bake loaded with tender chicken, bright pops of tomato and green chilies, and a golden crust of melted Monterey Jack. It’s comforting, quick to pull together, and absolutely brimming with flavor and texture thanks to juicy chicken, crisp bacon, and the perfect balance of spices. This savory casserole will have your family scraping their plates and begging for seconds—just as they do in my kitchen every time I make it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
At its heart, Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a celebration of simple yet powerhouse ingredients. Each one brings something extra special, from the creamy richness of sour cream to the subtle smoky heat of paprika and the undeniable magic of gooey melted cheese. Let’s peek into what goes into making this irresistible dish sing!
- Spaghetti (12 ounces): Your sturdy base; look for classic spaghetti, cooked just until it’s perfectly al dente for the best texture.
- Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons): Melts into the sauce for a silky foundation, allowing all the other flavors to bloom.
- Cooked Chicken Breast (1 pound, shredded or diced): Use leftovers, poached chicken, or rotisserie—anything tender that soaks up sauce beautifully.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (10 ounces, drained): These add bright acidity and a gentle, zesty kick.
- Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 ounces): Gives instant creaminess and savory depth, shortcutting hours of simmering.
- Sour Cream (1 cup): For that signature tang and velvety texture that sets this casserole apart!
- Monterey Jack Cheese (2 cups, shredded, divided): Super melty, mild, and just a bit buttery—it’s essential for both the creamy filling and golden topping.
- Cooked and Crumbled Bacon (½ cup): Adds savory, smoky crunch in every delicious bite.
- Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): A subtle background of aromatic warmth.
- Onion Powder (½ teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors and boosts the savoriness.
- Smoked Paprika (½ teaspoon): Introduces a gentle smokiness and enticing color.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just enough to make every flavor sing without overpowering.
- Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): A bit of bite for balance.
- Green Onions (¼ cup, chopped): Sprinkled over top for freshness, color, and a mild onion flair.
- Fresh Cilantro (chopped, optional): The finishing touch if you want a pop of herbal brightness when serving Monterey Chicken Spaghetti.
How to Make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready for a bubbly, melty finish. Lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish will prevent sticking and help you scoop out perfect portions of Monterey Chicken Spaghetti later on.
Step 2: Boil the Spaghetti
Cook your spaghetti just as the package directs, making sure to stop right at al dente—this keeps the noodles from getting mushy as everything bakes. Once they’re ready, drain well and set aside while you prep the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter, letting it sizzle just a bit to awaken its creamy richness. Stir in your cooked chicken, drained tomatoes with green chilies, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Add 1½ cups of the Monterey Jack cheese, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir this luscious mixture until the cheese starts to melt and everything is glossy and combined—this is where Monterey Chicken Spaghetti gets all its decadent layers!
Step 4: Combine with Noodles
Toss the cooked spaghetti right into your skillet, making sure those noodles get beautifully coated in the creamy, cheesy sauce. Every strand should be glossy and packed with flavor—this all-in-one mix transforms classic spaghetti into a real comfort food experience.
Step 5: Transfer and Top
Spread the saucy spaghetti mixture evenly into your greased baking dish. Sprinkle the top with the remaining ½ cup of Monterey Jack cheese so you get that signature golden, bubbly crust once it’s baked!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and irresistibly bubbly, and the edges are just starting to turn golden.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
As soon as your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti comes out of the oven, shower it with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro, if using. Serve warm, and get ready for pure dinner bliss!
How to Serve Monterey Chicken Spaghetti
Garnishes
A final flourish of sliced green onions adds freshness and a subtle crunch that contrasts beautifully with all that rich, cheesy goodness. If you love a pop of color and brightness, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro is perfect for balancing the savory flavors of Monterey Chicken Spaghetti. You could even add a bit of diced fresh tomato or sliced jalapeños for extra flair!
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole really shines with fresh, light sides. A crisp green salad, some garlic bread, or simply steamed vegetables all pair beautifully without stealing the spotlight. Need something a bit special? Try roasted asparagus or a chilled cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti absolutely deserves a little drama on the table. Serve it straight from the bubbling casserole dish for a classic, comforting feel, or spoon it into individual ramekins for personalized portions at a dinner party. Love easy serving? Try baking in a large skillet or even mini muffin tins for portable, grab-and-go bites at potlucks!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cheese and sauce help keep the spaghetti moist, so each bite reheats beautifully without drying out. Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is the leftover lunch of your dreams!
Freezing
Want to meal prep? Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is freezer-friendly! Assemble everything but hold off on the final cheese topping. Wrap the unbaked dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight, add that last layer of cheese, and bake as directed.
Reheating
For leftovers, reheat individual portions in the microwave, covering with a damp paper towel to keep the spaghetti tender. If warming up a larger amount, pop it back into the oven, covered with foil, at 350°F until it’s heated through (about 20 minutes). For the freshest flavor, save the green onion and cilantro garnish until right before serving!
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape instead of spaghetti?
Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or even fettuccine work well since they hold onto the sauce nicely. Just aim for a similar weight and cooking time as the original recipe for best results.
What’s the best way to cook chicken for this recipe?
Rotisserie chicken is wonderfully convenient and flavorful, but you can also quickly poach chicken breasts or thighs, bake them, or even use leftovers from another meal. The key is to keep the chicken juicy so it melds seamlessly into the creamy sauce.
Is Monterey Chicken Spaghetti spicy?
It has a mild kick from the diced tomatoes with green chilies and smoked paprika, but overall, it’s more cozy than spicy. If you want more heat, swap in Pepper Jack cheese or add extra chilies for some zest!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti or pasta, and double-check that your cream of chicken soup is labeled gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so the swap is seamless.
Can I add vegetables to Monterey Chicken Spaghetti?
Definitely! Feel free to stir in cooked bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or even baby spinach before baking. They’ll add color and nutrition while soaking up that creamy, cheesy flavor.
Final Thoughts
If comfort food makes your heart sing, you simply have to try Monterey Chicken Spaghetti. It’s warm, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors that bring everyone to the table. Make it once, and it may just become a permanent part of your family’s comfort food rotation!
Print
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this comforting and cheesy Monterey Chicken Spaghetti, a delicious baked pasta dish that’s sure to please the whole family. Creamy, flavorful, and easy to make!
Ingredients
For the Dish:
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chicken, diced tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 ½ cups Monterey Jack cheese, bacon, spices. Stir until combined.
- Combine and Bake: Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet, toss to coat. Transfer to baking dish, top with remaining cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with green onions and cilantro. Serve hot.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works well for this dish.
- For extra heat, use pepper jack cheese or add more green chilies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
