Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting American dinner recipe featuring tender shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a creamy cheese sauce tossed with spaghetti. This dish offers a delicious blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, plus flavorful seasoning, making it a perfect family-friendly casserole that can be baked for a bubbly, golden finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 2 chicken breasts)
- 8 oz spaghetti (or any pasta of your choice)
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup milk (or chicken broth for a lighter version)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm while preparing the sauce and other ingredients.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and slightly browned, which will enhance their flavor.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk into the sautéed vegetables. Cook the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sauce is smooth and heated through, creating a rich base for the dish.
- Add Chicken and Cheese: Mix in the shredded cooked chicken and half of the Monterey Jack cheese (1/2 cup). Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese has melted and the chicken is warmed evenly within the sauce.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti into the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta completely with the creamy sauce and chicken mixture.
- Optional Baking Step: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese and the cheddar cheese evenly on top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Garnish the baked dish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole.
Notes
- For a spicier variation, add jalapeños or red chili flakes to the sautéed vegetables.
- Use canned chicken for a quicker preparation time.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check the labels on canned cream of chicken soup.
- When reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to refresh the creamy sauce and prevent drying out.
Keywords: Monterey chicken spaghetti, chicken spaghetti casserole, creamy chicken pasta, baked spaghetti, cheesy chicken pasta, American dinner recipes
