Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Introduction

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy casserole that brings together tender chicken, melted cheeses, and a hint of smoky spice. This comforting dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Stir in shredded chicken, diced tomatoes with green chilies, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
5. Step 5: In a large bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, chicken mixture, sour cream, milk, half of the Monterey Jack cheese, and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix well.
6. Step 6: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheeses and green onions. Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
• Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tangier twist.
• Try adding a handful of frozen corn or black beans for added texture and flavor.

Storage

Store leftover Monterey Chicken Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or bake in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to substitute spaghetti with penne, rotini, or any short pasta you prefer. Just adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then tightly wrap or place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 138 reviews

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting baked pasta casserole featuring tender shredded chicken, melted Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, diced tomatoes with green chilies for a subtle kick, and creamy sour cream and milk. This easy-to-make dish combines savory garlic and smoked paprika flavors, baked to bubbly cheesy perfection, perfect for a hearty family dinner.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Spaghetti and Chicken Mixture

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Cheese and Dairy

• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk

Garnish

• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.
2. Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
4. Cook Chicken Mixture: Add shredded cooked chicken, drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and flavors meld.
5. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked spaghetti with the chicken mixture, sour cream, milk, and half portions of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined.
6. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the spaghetti mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses evenly over the top, then add sliced green onions. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Serve hot.

Notes

• You can substitute rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Adjust the green chilies amount depending on your spice preference.
• For a richer flavor, use whole milk or add a little cream cheese alongside the sour cream.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
• To make it gluten-free, substitute the spaghetti with a gluten-free pasta option.

Keywords: Monterey chicken spaghetti, baked spaghetti casserole, cheesy chicken pasta, easy family dinner, casserole dinner, creamy chicken spaghetti