If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that brings together creamy, cheesy goodness and tender chicken with a touch of spicy kick, look no further than Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: A Delicious & Easy Recipe. This dish blends perfectly cooked pasta with a luscious sauce, oozing with Monterey Jack cheese and fresh flavors, making it an instant favorite for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation because it’s flavorful, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to pull together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and giving the dish its signature creamy texture and color. Having the right mix means every bite is balanced perfectly between savory, cheesy, and just a hint of spice.
- 12 ounces spaghetti: The foundation for this dish, providing a familiar, comforting pasta base that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to cook the chicken and aromatics while adding a subtle fruitiness.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (diced): The protein star that gets tender and flavorful.
- 1 small onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Brings a punch of savory aroma and richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the ingredients’ natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives a smoky warmth that’s subtle but transformative.
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained): Introduces a mild spice and freshness to the creamy sauce.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Brings tanginess and creaminess that enrich the sauce.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened): Ensures the sauce is luxuriously smooth and velvety.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and enhances the savory base.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (divided): The cheesy heart of the dish for melty, gooey delight.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or green onions (optional): For a fresh burst of color and mild herbaceous flavor when serving.
How to Make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the spaghetti according to the package directions until it’s al dente. The pasta should be firm yet tender, ready to soak up all that delicious sauce later. Drain and set it aside for now.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced chicken breasts and season them with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until the chicken pieces are browned on the outside and cooked through, locking in juicy flavor.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
To the skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. This step builds the backbone of the sauce with sweet and savory notes.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Stir in the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, cream cheese, and chicken broth. Lower the heat and let everything meld together for about 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce turns smooth and creamy, the cream cheese melting perfectly into the mix.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese
Fold the cooked spaghetti into the sauce, tossing gently to coat every strand. Then sprinkle in 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese and stir until it starts to melt into cheesy strands, making every bite irresistibly creamy.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing the top. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the surface. Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden brown, signaling the perfect cheesy crust.
How to Serve Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate the dish both visually and flavor-wise. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions over the hot casserole for color contrast and a touch of fresh zest that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
Pairing your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti with light and fresh sides helps balance the meal. A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette or steamed roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli complements the creamy pasta beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti straight from mini ramekins or individual baking dishes for personalized servings. Alternatively, mix in crispy bacon bits or sliced jalapeños before baking to add a new flavor dimension and texture contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftover Monterey Chicken Spaghetti to room temperature and transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days to enjoy a quick and tasty reheated meal later in the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully if you want to prep in advance. Use a freezer-safe container, freeze for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep its creamy texture intact.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To restore that fresh-from-the-oven bubbly feel, pop it in a 350°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes, making sure the cheese melts back to its gooey perfection.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works wonderfully with this recipe, you can substitute with other long pasta like linguine or fettuccine, or even short pasta such as penne or rotini for a different texture experience.
Is Monterey Chicken Spaghetti spicy?
The canned diced tomatoes with green chilies add a mild level of heat, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the spice level by using plain diced tomatoes or adding more jalapeños to suit your taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, you can omit the chicken and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for the sauce base.
What can I add for extra flavor?
For some extra flair, consider topping with crispy bacon, adding a dash of smoked paprika or cumin, or even stirring in some sautéed mushrooms to deepen the savory notes.
How do I know when the dish is done baking?
The Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is ready when the cheese topping is beautifully melted, bubbling, and golden brown. Usually, this takes about 15 to 20 minutes in a 350°F oven, but keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: A Delicious & Easy Recipe is truly one of those feel-good meals that delivers on comfort and flavor without fuss. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with wholesome ingredients that bring everyone to the table with smiles. Honestly, once you try this recipe, it’ll be one you’ll want to make again and again, adding your own twists along the way. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy the delicious love that comes from sharing this warm, satisfying dish with those you care about!
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Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy pasta bake featuring tender diced chicken, savory spices, and a blend of Monterey Jack cheese. This comforting American dish combines spaghetti with a rich sauce made from sour cream, cream cheese, and tomatoes with green chilies, baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for an easy family dinner, it’s flavorful, satisfying, and can be made ahead for convenience.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Sauce and Cheese
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
Garnish (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for 5–6 minutes or until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant.
- Make Sauce: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, softened cream cheese, and chicken broth. Reduce heat to low and cook until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to combine the pasta evenly with the sauce. Stir in 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese until melted and well incorporated.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider topping the casserole with crispy bacon or sliced jalapeños before baking.
- Substitute cooked rotisserie chicken to reduce preparation time.
- This recipe can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated, then baked fresh when ready to serve.
