If you love creamy pasta dishes that deliver both flavor and comfort, this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is about to become your next go-to dinner. 🧀🍝 Packed with tender shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, and plenty of Monterey Jack cheese, this casserole-style pasta is rich, satisfying, and unbelievably easy to make.
With just 40 minutes from start to finish, this dish brings homestyle comfort to your table — no fuss, no stress, just pure cheesy goodness
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti
- Quick & easy: Dinner is ready in about 40 minutes — ideal for busy weeknights.
- Rich & comforting: A creamy, cheesy sauce pairs perfectly with juicy chicken and tender pasta.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite veggies or cheese for endless variations.
- Great for leftovers: It reheats beautifully and makes excellent meal prep.
🍗 Ingredients You’ll Need
(You’ll find full measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 2 chicken breasts)
- 8 oz spaghetti (or any pasta of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup onion, chopped
- ½ cup bell pepper, chopped
- ½ cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup milk (or chicken broth for a lighter version)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
👩🍳 How to Make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until softened and lightly browned.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
Stir in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring until smooth and warmed through.
4. Add Chicken and Cheese
Mix in the cooked chicken and ½ cup of Monterey Jack cheese. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts and the chicken is heated.
5. Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the creamy sauce.
6. Optional Baking Step (for a golden, cheesy finish)
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and top with the remaining Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve & Enjoy
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
🕒 Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: ~450 kcal per serving
🔄 Variations & Substitutions
- Protein Swap: Use rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even ground beef.
- Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add zucchini, broccoli, or spinach with cream of mushroom soup.
- Cheese Lovers: Try Colby Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for extra flavor.
- Lighter Version: Use low-fat sour cream and cheese, plus chicken broth instead of milk.
- Add Spice: Mix in diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick.
🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use the microwave. Add a splash of milk or broth to refresh the sauce.
🍽️ What to Serve With Monterey Chicken Spaghetti
This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- A crisp green salad with Italian dressing
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans
❓ FAQs
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Can I use canned chicken?
Absolutely — it’s a great shortcut for busy nights.
How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and check that your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free.
How do I make it spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning, or use pepper jack cheese for a zesty twist.
🌟 Final Thoughts
This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table — creamy, cozy, and full of flavor. It’s comfort food done right, perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you need a satisfying, cheesy pasta dish that’s sure to please.
One bite, and it’s easy to see why this dish is destined to become a family favorite! 💛