Print

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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