Irresistible Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe: Creamy Family Favorite

Monterey chicken spaghetti sparks joy with its creamy, comforting blend of flavors that dance across your palate.

Melted cheese and tender chicken create a harmonious melody in this simple yet spectacular dish.

California’s coastal charm inspired this delightful meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Weeknight dinners deserve something special, and this recipe delivers pure deliciousness without complicated techniques.

Pasta lovers will appreciate how quickly everything comes together in one skillet.

Succulent chicken pieces nestled among perfectly cooked spaghetti strands promise a meal that satisfies deeply.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible comfort classic.

Why Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Is So Popular

• Savor Comfort in Every Bite: This chicken spaghetti casserole brings pure deliciousness to your dinner table with minimal fuss.
• Transform Weeknight Dinners: Perfect for busy families, this one-pan wonder delivers satisfying flavors without complicated techniques or extensive preparation.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like cheese or vegetables to match your family's taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly adaptable and crowd-pleasing.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare components ahead of time and assemble quickly, creating a stress-free cooking experience that saves precious energy and time.

What Goes Into Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

• Chicken Breasts: The protein-packed centerpiece that provides hearty flavor and substance to the casserole.
• Spaghetti: The classic pasta base that creates a comforting foundation for the entire dish.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Chicken Broth, Sour Cream: A creamy trio that builds a rich, smooth sauce with deep, savory flavors.

• Onions, Bell Peppers, Garlic: A flavor-building combination that adds depth, sweetness, and aromatic complexity to the casserole.

• Monterey Jack Cheese: A mild, melty cheese that provides creamy texture and golden color to the dish.
• Breadcrumbs: An optional crunchy topping that adds textural contrast to the creamy casserole.

• Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Essential spices that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a light herbal note.

• Olive Oil, Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Basic cooking mediums that prevent sticking and add a subtle flavor.

Simple Instructions For Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F and give a generous spray of non-stick cooking spray to a large baking dish to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Season The Chicken

Rub chicken breasts with a zesty blend of salt, pepper, and paprika, making sure every inch gets some love.

Step 3: Sear The Chicken

Fire up a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat and transform the chicken into a golden-brown masterpiece, about 4-5 minutes on each side.

Step 4: Prep The Chicken

Let the chicken cool down for a moment, then chop it into delightful bite-sized chunks.

Step 5: Sauté The Veggies

In the same skillet, dance the onions, bell peppers, and garlic around until they become soft and aromatic, roughly 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Cook The Pasta

Boil a pot of salted water and cook spaghetti until it’s perfectly al dente, about 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside.

Step 7: Whip Up The Sauce

In a mixing bowl, blend cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and sour cream into a silky smooth mixture.

Step 8: Combine Ingredients

Toss the cooked spaghetti, diced chicken, sautéed vegetables, and sauce together in the baking dish, giving everything a gentle mix.

Step 9: Add Cheese

Shower the casserole with a blanket of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.

Step 10: Create Crunch (Optional)

Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese for an extra crispy layer.

Step 11: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts and edges turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 12: Rest And Settle

Pull the casserole out and let it chill for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 13: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Tips To Perfect Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

• Slice Chicken Precisely: Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Sauté vegetables until they caramelize slightly, intensifying their natural sweetness and adding complexity to the dish.
• Prevent Dry Pasta: Cook spaghetti just until al dente, as it will continue absorbing moisture during baking, maintaining perfect pasta consistency.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Allow cheese to reach room temperature before sprinkling, helping it melt more evenly and create a smooth, creamy top layer.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Creative Variations For Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

• Gluten-Free Chicken Spaghetti: Replace regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Spicy Mexican Chicken Spaghetti: Add diced jalapeños, replace Monterey Jack with pepper jack cheese, and mix in chopped green chiles for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Chicken Zucchini Noodle Bake: Substitute spaghetti with spiralized zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining the casserole's creamy texture and protein-rich base.

Best Pairings With Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

• Elevate Your Dining Experience: Perfect Pairings
• Crisp White Wine Complement: Reach for a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to balance the creamy casserole's richness, cutting through the heavy sauce with bright, zesty notes.
• Fresh Green Salad Partner: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a tangy, crisp contrast against the warm, comforting pasta dish, adding refreshing brightness to each bite.
• Rustic Garlic Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up extra sauce, offering a crunchy texture that complements the soft, cheesy casserole and provides delightful additional flavor layers.

How To Store Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the casserole flat to maintain its texture and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap the cooled casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid adding breadcrumbs before freezing to prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta instead of spaghetti?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta like fettuccine, penne, or egg noodles. Just ensure they are cooked al dente before mixing with other ingredients.

• Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta, substitute cream of chicken soup with a gluten-free version, and replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 55-60 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Monterey chicken spaghetti brings comfort and zest to weeknight dinners with its creamy, cheesy goodness. Packed with tender chicken, melted monterey jack, and a rich sauce, this dish promises a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken breast, boneless and skinless
• 1 lb spaghetti pasta
• 1 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded

Sauce and Liquids:

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 cup diced onions
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Optional Toppings:

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a large baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika, ensuring even coating.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken until golden brown, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
4. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside to cool slightly, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
5. In the same skillet, sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
7. In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and sour cream until smooth and well combined.
8. Combine cooked spaghetti, diced chicken, sautéed vegetables, and sauce mixture in the prepared baking dish, stirring gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
9. Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the casserole.
10. Optional: Scatter breadcrumbs across the cheese layer for added crunch.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and edges are golden brown.
12. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
13. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish.

Notes

• Swap out regular spaghetti for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions and boost nutritional value.
• Use rotisserie chicken as a time-saving alternative to searing fresh chicken breasts, which can help reduce overall cooking preparation time.
• Control sodium levels by selecting low-sodium cream of chicken soup and using reduced-sodium chicken broth to make the dish heart-healthier.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to increase the nutritional profile and create more texture variation in the casserole.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 69g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 85mg