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Flavorful Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Featured in Sophisticated Dinners Ready in 45 Minutes or Less.

Mix spaghetti with chicken, creamy sauce, and cheese. Sprinkle with crispy onions. Bake till bubbly and brown. Easy weeknight dinner done in an hour.
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Sarah
Updated on Fri, 14 Mar 2025 14:10:59 GMT
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Monterey Chicken Spaghetti | chefmiarecipes.com

Experience pure comfort food perfection with this classic Monterey Chicken Spaghetti. Tender pasta strands are enveloped in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, studded with succulent chicken and crispy bacon pieces. Diced tomatoes and green chilies provide a subtle southwestern kick, while two types of melted cheese create an irresistibly gooey texture that brings this hearty casserole together.

This tried-and-true casserole has become a staple at family gatherings and potlucks, consistently earning rave reviews. The rich, velvety sauce strikes that perfect balance between classic comfort and modern flair.

Essential Ingredients

  • Spaghetti: Forms the foundation of this hearty casserole
  • Monterey Jack: Freshly grated for optimal melting
  • Bacon: Adds rich smokiness throughout
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates the base for our sauce
  • Sour Cream: Provides creamy tanginess
  • Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Offers zesty flavor and color

Preparation Method

Preheat:
Set oven to 350°F to ensure proper melting and browning
Cook Pasta:
Boil spaghetti until just before al dente
Make Sauce:
Combine soup with sour cream and seasonings until smooth
Add Cheese:
Mix in half the Monterey Jack until fully incorporated
Combine:
Toss pasta with sauce, chicken, bacon and tomato mixture
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe Pin it
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe | chefmiarecipes.com

The smoky bacon adds an irresistible flavor that permeates the entire dish. Pro tip: Cook extra bacon - it has a way of disappearing during preparation!

Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole alongside a crisp arugula salad with citrus dressing and warm garlic bread for a complete meal.

Creative Variations

Consider adding sautéed mushrooms for earthiness, fresh spinach for color and nutrition, or diced jalapeños for extra heat.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.

This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti represents comfort food at its finest. The combination of everyday ingredients creates an exceptional dish that consistently impresses both family and guests alike.

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Easy Monterey Chicken Spaghetti | chefmiarecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I store this in the freezer?
Totally! Freeze it before adding the crispy onion layer. Keep it sealed and it’ll last up to 3 months. Add the onions when baking.
→ Is there a substitution for cream of chicken soup?
You can whip up a quick white sauce with butter, flour, and chicken broth to replace it.
→ Can I swap in fresh spinach?
Of course! Just sauté a pound of fresh spinach until wilted, drain it well, and use instead of frozen.
→ Could I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead?
Yes! It works perfectly and cuts down on prep time while adding flavor.
→ What if the onion topping cooks too fast?
If it starts browning too soon, lightly cover the dish with foil till it’s done baking.

Cheesy Chicken Bake

A fulfilling bake with spaghetti, shredded chicken, and Monterey Jack cheese, all under a crunchy onion topping. Comfort on a plate!

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
65 Minutes

Category: Weeknight Elegance

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Base Essentials

01 4 cups diced, cooked chicken
02 12 ounces spaghetti, uncooked

→ Creamy Elements

03 16 ounces sour cream
04 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) of cream of chicken soup, unsalted
05 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (divide it in half)

→ Veggies & Flavor

06 10 ounces spinach (use frozen, then thaw and squeeze out the water)
07 2 minced garlic cloves

→ Crunchy Topping

08 6 ounces crispy fried onions (like the French's brand)

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to heat up to 350°F (175°C). Coat a 9x13-inch baking pan lightly with some cooking spray.

Step 02

Cook the spaghetti as instructed on its packaging until it’s just tender (al dente). Drain off the water and leave it aside.

Step 03

In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, spinach, half the cheese, the minced garlic, and half of the fried onions.

Step 04

Add the prepared spaghetti to the chicken mixture. Stir well until it’s all mixed up, then pour it into the sprayed baking dish.

Step 05

Scatter the rest of the cheese and fried onions over the top. Bake it uncovered for 40-50 minutes or until it looks golden and bubbly.

Notes

  1. You can swap spinach with mushrooms or skip it completely.
  2. This dish can be made in advance and baked later.
  3. If fried onions aren’t handy, breadcrumbs can work too.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13-inch pan for baking
  • Large bowl for mixing everything
  • Pot to cook the pasta
  • A colander to drain pasta

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (cheese, sour cream).
  • Contains gluten (in pasta and fried onions).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 490
  • Total Fat: 26 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 32 g
  • Protein: 30 g