Description
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a delicious and easy-to-make creamy chicken and pasta casserole that combines tender diced chicken, sautéed onions and garlic, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a blend of sour cream, cream cheese, and chicken broth. Topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese and baked to bubbly perfection, this comforting dish is perfect for a family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Sauce
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for 5–6 minutes until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked through.
- Cook Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, and the garlic is fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, softened cream cheese, and chicken broth. Lower the heat to low and cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is smooth and creamy, about 3–4 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to evenly coat the pasta with the creamy chicken sauce. Stir in 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese until melted and well combined.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the spaghetti and chicken mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions, if desired. Serve hot for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For added flavor and texture, top the casserole with crispy cooked bacon or sliced jalapeños before baking.
- Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts to save prep time.
- This dish can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving, making it ideal for meal prep or busy days.
