Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Craving something hearty, cheesy, and absolutely comforting? This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is just the ticket! It’s a delicious twist on classic baked spaghetti, featuring tender chicken, creamy cheese, and bold southwestern flavors all baked to golden perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights or potluck dinners, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike love the cheesy, savory goodness.
Full of Flavor – Monterey Jack cheese, peppers, and spices give it a southwestern kick.
One-Pan Wonder – Everything comes together in a single baking dish for easy cleanup.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep it in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Spaghetti:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 8 oz spaghetti noodles
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 1 small red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For Topping:

• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• ¼ cup chopped green onions
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
• Crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs (optional for crunch)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Cheese grater
• Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Add diced onion, green and red bell peppers. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
6. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce
7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed veggies, shredded chicken, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth.
8. Add paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Step 4: Add Pasta and Cheese
9. Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl.
10. Stir in 1½ cups of Monterey Jack cheese and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Mix until well coated.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
11. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
12. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
13. Pour the spaghetti mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
14. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Monterey Jack cheese on top.
15. If using, add crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

Step 6: Bake and Garnish
16. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
17. Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
18. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro before serving.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Spaghetti
Cook Pasta Al Dente – It continues to cook while baking, so don’t overboil.
Use Rotisserie Chicken – A great shortcut that adds extra flavor.
Drain Tomatoes Well – Prevents the dish from getting watery.
Shred Your Own Cheese – Melts better and tastes fresher than pre-shredded.
Add a Kick – For more heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Simple Green Salad – A fresh contrast to the rich pasta.
Grilled Corn – Adds a touch of sweetness and crunch.
Avocado Slices – Creamy and cooling, they balance the spices.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   Yes! Pepper Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend work well.
2. Is this dish spicy?
   Mildly so. Use mild diced tomatoes and skip the optional toppings to keep it gentle.
3. Can I make it vegetarian?
   Sure! Skip the chicken and add black beans, corn, or sautéed mushrooms.
4. How can I make it gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the cream of chicken soup with a gluten-free version.

Final Thoughts
This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti brings together the comfort of baked pasta with the vibrant flavors of the Southwest. It’s cheesy, creamy, and just the right amount of zesty—an irresistible combo that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or prepping meals for the week, this recipe delivers in both taste and convenience.

Try it out and let me know how it turned out! Don’t forget to leave a review and share your version on Pinterest!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 470 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 38g | Fat: 23g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 690mg

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