Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Craving a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor? This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti recipe is your answer! Imagine tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, a luscious cream sauce, and that signature Monterey Jack cheese pull – all in one glorious bite. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a potluck that’s sure to impress, this recipe takes the classic chicken spaghetti to a whole new level of deliciousness. It’s a dish that appeals to everyone, from picky eaters to adventurous foodies, and is easily customizable to your own tastes. Plus, with the cooler weather settling in, there’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy pasta bake to chase away the autumn chill. Let’s get cooking!

I’ve been perfecting this recipe for years, drawing inspiration from classic Southern casseroles and my love for simple, satisfying meals. As a recipe developer, I’m always looking for ways to elevate familiar dishes, and this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a testament to that. I’ve tested countless variations to find the perfect balance of flavors and textures, ensuring a creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible experience. The inclusion of Monterey Jack cheese, known for its mild flavor and incredible meltability, sets this recipe apart. It’s been quite popular recently as people search for comforting and easy pasta meals for fall.

Ingredients

The key to incredible Monterey Chicken Spaghetti lies in the quality of your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Spaghetti: The foundation of our dish! I prefer using regular spaghetti, but feel free to substitute with gluten-free pasta or even angel hair for a lighter texture. Make sure to cook it al dente to avoid a mushy final product.
• Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is ideal. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or poach or bake your own. Roughly shredded or diced chicken works best.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: This is where the magic happens! Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully and has a mild, buttery flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly. You can substitute with mozzarella or Colby Jack in a pinch, but the flavor profile will change slightly.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: This classic soup base provides richness and creaminess to the sauce. For a lighter option, use cream of chicken or a homemade cream sauce. You can also use a reduced-fat version if you’re watching your calories.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Complements the mushroom soup for a richer depth of flavor. Again, reduced-fat options are available.
• Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles (Rotel): Adds a zesty kick and a burst of color. Adjust the amount to your spice preference or substitute with plain diced tomatoes for a milder flavor.
• Onion and Garlic: Essential aromatics! Sauté these in butter before adding the other ingredients to build a flavorful base.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce. You can use salted or unsalted butter, adjusting the salt in the recipe accordingly.
• Chicken Broth: Helps to thin the sauce and add moisture to the spaghetti. You can use low-sodium broth to control the salt content.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder enhance the overall flavor. Feel free to add other herbs and spices like Italian seasoning, paprika, or cayenne pepper to customize the taste.

Ingredient Science: Did you know that the type of cheese you use drastically affects the texture of your baked dishes? Monterey Jack, with its high moisture content, melts smoothly and creates a wonderfully gooey texture, while drier cheeses like Parmesan are better for grating on top.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own Monterey Chicken Spaghetti masterpiece:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Make the Sauce: Stir in cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes and green chiles (Rotel), and chicken broth. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
5. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
6. Add Cheese: Pour the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle generously with shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
7. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the spaghetti is heated through.
8. Rest: Let the spaghetti rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny.

Expert Tips

Here are some of my personal tips and tricks for achieving the best possible Monterey Chicken Spaghetti:

• Don’t Overcook the Spaghetti: Overcooked spaghetti will become mushy in the casserole. Aim for al dente, which means slightly firm to the bite.
• Use High-Quality Cheese: The quality of your Monterey Jack cheese will significantly impact the flavor and texture of the dish. Opt for a good quality brand that melts well.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, use plain diced tomatoes instead of Rotel. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
• Add Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to the spaghetti, such as chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Sauté them along with the onion and garlic.
• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the spaghetti ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Broil for Extra Color: For a more golden-brown and bubbly cheese topping, broil the spaghetti for a minute or two at the end of the baking time. Watch it carefully to prevent burning!

FAQ

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute Monterey Jack cheese with mozzarella, Colby Jack, or even a blend of cheeses. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly. Monterey Jack is known for its mild, buttery flavor and excellent melting properties, so it’s the best choice for this recipe.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds a delicious flavor to the spaghetti. Simply shred or dice the chicken and add it to the sauce.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free spaghetti and ensuring that all other ingredients, such as the cream of mushroom soup, are also gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free alternatives to common ingredients.

Can I freeze Monterey Chicken Spaghetti?

Yes, you can freeze Monterey Chicken Spaghetti, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, let the spaghetti cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave.

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for chicken. Brown the ground turkey in the skillet before adding the onion and garlic, and drain off any excess grease.

How do I prevent the spaghetti from drying out?

To prevent the spaghetti from drying out, make sure to use enough sauce and chicken broth. You can also cover the baking dish with aluminum foil during the first half of the baking time, removing the foil for the last few minutes to allow the cheese to melt and brown.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, adding vegetables is a great way to customize this recipe. Sauté chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or other vegetables along with the onion and garlic before adding the other ingredients.

This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and that irresistible Monterey Jack cheese pull, it’s a dish that everyone will love. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience a new level of comfort food deliciousness! Don’t forget to share your creations with me – tag me on social media with your photos and let me know what you think!

Want more easy and delicious dinner ideas? Check out my recipes for Creamy Tomato Pasta, One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Vegetables, and Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole!

Print