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