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Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

4.5 from 147 reviews

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish featuring tender shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a rich sauce made with cream of chicken soup and sour cream. This comforting casserole can be enjoyed straight from the skillet or baked until bubbly and golden for a deliciously satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Pasta

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 2 chicken breasts)
  • 8 oz spaghetti (or any pasta of your choice)

Vegetables

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced

Sauce and Cheese

  • 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (divided use)
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup milk (or chicken broth for a lighter version)

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to be combined later.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and slightly browned.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the can of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk into the skillet with the vegetables. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is smooth and heated through.
  4. Add Chicken and Cheese: Mix in the shredded cooked chicken and 1/2 cup of Monterey Jack cheese. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts and the chicken is warmed thoroughly.
  5. Combine with Pasta: Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the sauce mixture. Stir well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
  6. Optional Baking Step: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese and 1/2 cup cheddar cheese evenly on top.
  7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted, golden, and bubbly.
  8. Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm for a delicious meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute milk with chicken broth for a lighter sauce.
  • Add extra vegetables like spinach or peas for more nutrition and color.
  • If baking is skipped, serve the dish directly from the skillet for a faster meal.
  • Leftovers keep well and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

Keywords: Monterey chicken spaghetti, creamy chicken pasta, baked spaghetti casserole, cheesy chicken pasta