Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a delightful twist on classic pasta dishes that combines tender chicken with a creamy sauce, perfectly complemented by delectable vegetables and a cheesy finish. This comforting meal is ideal for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. Having made this recipe countless times for my family, I can attest to its crowd-pleasing appeal, as it brings everyone around the table in no time.

Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot on Your Table

What truly makes Monterey Chicken Spaghetti stand out? For starters, it’s a brilliantly quick, one-pan dish that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for efficiency. Whether you’re a busy parent needing a reliable weeknight dinner or simply searching for a cozy meal to impress your guests, this recipe hits all the marks. It’s also budget-friendly and uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, making it an everyday staple.

“This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a weekly favorite in our house. It’s creamy, cheesy, and the whole family devours it!” – Happy Home Cook

Step-by-step Guide to Cooking It

Making Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a breeze, breaking down into simple, manageable steps that anyone can follow. You’ll start by cooking your pasta, then sautéing the veggies for a flavor burst, and finish off by combining everything into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece. Here’s how you can do it:

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to make your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 2 chicken breasts)
• 8 oz spaghetti (or any pasta of your choice)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 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)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Noting substitutions: If you’re out of Monterey Jack cheese, feel free to use any melty cheese you prefer, like mozzarella or gouda.

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the spaghetti according to package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Sauté the onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft and slightly browned.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk. Cook until the mixture is smooth and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Chicken and Cheese: Mix in the cooked chicken and 1/2 cup of Monterey Jack cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and the chicken is warmed through.
5. Combine with Pasta: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce, mixing thoroughly to ensure everything is well coated.
6. Optional Baking Step: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and top it with the remaining Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Tips for Serving

To truly elevate your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti, consider these serving ideas:

• Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
• Serve with warm garlic bread or breadsticks for a comforting, family-style meal.
• For a fresh touch, consider adding a side of steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans.

Best Way to Store Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

To make the most of your leftovers, follow these storage tips:

• Refrigeration: Store your leftover Monterey Chicken Spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: You can reheat the dish in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to retain creaminess.

Expert Advice

To enhance your cooking experience, keep these tips in mind:

• Texture Boost: For extra flavor, consider adding some diced tomatoes or jalapeños when sautéing your vegetables.
• Cheese Variations: Mixing different cheeses can give your dish a unique flavor profile. Add some pepper jack for a spicy kick!
• Meal Prep: Prepare the creamy sauce in advance and store it separately, making it a breeze to whip up on a busy evening.

Creative Twists

If you’re feeling adventurous, here are a few variations on the classic recipe:

• Southwestern Style: Incorporate corn and black beans into the dish and season with taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex twist.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap out the chicken for grilled zucchini or roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian version that still packs a punch.
• Pasta Alternatives: Experiment with different pasta shapes like penne or fusilli, which can hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare this dish?

Preparation and cooking time is quick, generally around 30-40 minutes total.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pasta and cheese sauce in advance. Just combine them when you’re ready to bake.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt or cottage cheese can be used as a healthier alternative to sour cream without compromising the creamy texture.

By following these easy steps, you can create a delicious Monterey Chicken Spaghetti dish that is sure to be a hit at your table. Happy cooking!

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

Pin Recipe

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Description

A delightful twist on classic pasta that combines tender chicken with a creamy sauce, vegetables, and a cheesy finish, perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 2 chicken breasts)
• 8 oz spaghetti (or any pasta of your choice)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 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)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the spaghetti according to package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Sauté the onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft and slightly browned.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk. Cook until the mixture is smooth and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Chicken and Cheese: Mix in the cooked chicken and 1/2 cup of Monterey Jack cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and the chicken is warmed through.
5. Combine with Pasta: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce, mixing thoroughly to ensure everything is well coated.
6. Optional Baking Step: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and top it with the remaining Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

For variation, you can use different cheeses, vegetables, or pasta shapes. This dish can be made ahead and stored for easy reheating.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: chicken spaghetti, creamy pasta, comfort food, weeknight dinner