Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Introduction

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting, cheesy casserole that combines tender chicken, flavorful diced tomatoes with green chilies, and melted Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses. This easy-to-make dish bakes to bubbling perfection and is perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with a pasta dish consisting of long, thick spaghetti noodles coated in a light golden sauce. Mixed throughout are pieces of cooked chicken, which are light brown with slight charring. There are also small chunks of red tomatoes scattered around, adding a splash of color. Finely chopped green parsley is spread evenly over the dish, adding freshness and contrast. The noodles and toppings are slightly glossy, showing the sauce's smooth texture. The bowl sits on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Step 4: Add the shredded chicken, drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
  5. Step 5: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, chicken mixture, sour cream, milk, and half of both the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses. Stir well to blend all ingredients evenly.
  6. Step 6: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses evenly on top, followed by the sliced green onions.
  7. Step 7: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, try adding a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.
  • Substitute cooked rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing taste.
  • Use a blend of cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for a different cheesy twist.
  • Add some chopped bell peppers or corn for added texture and color.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white plate filled with a generous serving of spaghetti pasta mixed with pieces of cooked chicken. The pasta is coated in a glossy light brown sauce, with small chunks of bright red tomatoes scattered throughout. Fresh green herbs are finely chopped and sprinkled all over the dish, adding a fresh contrast to the warm colors. The chicken pieces are light golden brown with visible seasoning, evenly distributed throughout the pasta. The plate sits on a wooden surface, and the photo shows the textures of the pasta strands, chicken, and herbs in sharp detail. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes with green chilies?

Yes, you can substitute fresh diced tomatoes, but you may want to add some chopped green chilies or a dash of chili powder to maintain the dish’s flavor profile.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free spaghetti instead of regular pasta to keep the dish gluten-free without changing the taste.

Print
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Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe


  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy baked pasta dish featuring tender shredded chicken, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a flavorful blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses. This comforting casserole combines smoky paprika and fragrant garlic with a creamy sour cream and milk sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection and topped with fresh green onions for a deliciously satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz spaghetti

Chicken Mixture

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Cheese and Dairy

  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup milk

Garnish

  • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
  3. Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Cook Chicken Mixture: Add shredded cooked chicken, drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is heated through and flavors meld.
  5. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked spaghetti, chicken mixture, sour cream, milk, half of the Monterey Jack cheese, and half of the cheddar cheese. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  6. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the combined mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses evenly over the top and garnish with sliced green onions. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Serve hot for best flavor.

Notes

  • You can substitute the cooked chicken with rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • To add extra flavor, consider mixing in some chopped jalapeños or bell peppers with the chicken mixture.
  • If a creamier texture is desired, you may increase the sour cream to 3/4 cup.
  • Feel free to replace the milk with half-and-half for a richer dish.
  • This recipe can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking; just increase baking time slightly if baking directly from the fridge.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Monterey Chicken Spaghetti, baked pasta casserole, cheesy chicken spaghetti, creamy baked spaghetti, easy dinner recipes

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