Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a cheesy, flavorful casserole dish that’s perfect for a comforting dinner. It combines chicken, pasta, cheese, and a creamy sauce, all baked together for a satisfying meal. Here’s a delicious recipe for Monterey Chicken Spaghetti:
Ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts (or 3-4 thighs), cooked and shredded
- 12 oz spaghetti (or other pasta of your choice)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk (or chicken broth)
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
Instructions:
- Prepare the pasta:
- Cook the spaghetti (or pasta of your choice) according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken:
- If not already cooked, season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and any desired spices. You can bake, pan-sear, or cook the chicken in a slow cooker until fully cooked.
- Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using a fork.
- Sauté vegetables:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper (if using) and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Make the sauce:
- To the skillet with the sautéed vegetables, add the cream of chicken soup, Rotel, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder (if using), and salt and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine chicken and pasta:
- Add the shredded chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to mix everything together evenly.
- Add cheese:
- Stir in 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese and 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese into the pasta mixture. Continue stirring until the cheese melts into the sauce.
- Assemble the casserole:
- Transfer the chicken spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese and cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Serve:
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve it hot with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Enjoy your delicious and comforting Monterey Chicken Spaghetti!
