Description
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting baked casserole combining tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, sautéed vegetables, creamy sauces, and melted Monterey Jack cheese. This easy, hearty dish brings together savory flavors with a touch of smoked paprika, making it a perfect family-friendly dinner that can be prepped quickly and baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti and Chicken
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and green bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, drained diced tomatoes with green chiles, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the spaghetti mixture into it. Evenly spread and top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the dish is hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and optionally sprinkle chopped parsley over the casserole for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation.
- Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce if you want a spicier version.
- This dish freezes well—assemble and freeze before baking for easy make-ahead meals.
