Description
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy pasta bake featuring tender cooked chicken, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and a luscious blend of sour cream and cream of chicken soup. This hearty American main course is perfect for a family dinner, delivering comforting flavors with a smoky paprika kick and gooey melted Monterey Jack cheese topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti and Protein
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
Dairy and Sauces
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Add the drained diced tomatoes with green chiles, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese to the skillet. Season with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine the sauce.
- Add Cooked Chicken: Add the shredded or diced cooked chicken breast to the skillet and stir everything together until the chicken is fully coated with the sauce mixture.
- Toss in Spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the cheesy, creamy sauce.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the spaghetti and chicken mixture to the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions before serving for a fresh flavor and appealing presentation.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking and shredding chicken.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach for extra vegetables and nutrition.
