Zesty Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe That Kids Adore

Creamy and packed with flavor, this monterey chicken spaghetti recipe delivers a mouthwatering meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tender chicken pieces mingle with perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, cheesy sauce.

The blend of monterey jack cheese creates a luxurious texture that coats each strand of spaghetti.

Comfort food meets gourmet dining with this simple yet impressive dish.

Herbs and spices add depth to every delectable bite.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and transform an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 644 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need For Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

• Spaghetti: Provides the hearty foundation with its classic texture, choose high-quality pasta for best results.

• Shredded Chicken: Adds lean protein and tender meaty goodness, use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation.
• Bacon: Delivers smoky, crispy crunch and deep savory notes, opt for thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor.

• Olive Oil or Butter: Creates rich base for sauce, select high-quality extra virgin olive oil for best taste.
• Onion: Builds foundational flavor profile, choose sweet yellow onions for mild sweetness.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic depth, fresh garlic cloves offer more intense flavor than pre-minced.
• Flour: Helps thicken sauce smoothly, all-purpose flour works perfectly.
• Milk: Ensures creamy consistency, whole milk recommended for richer texture.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully with mild, buttery flavor, select freshly grated for best melting.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty undertone, authentic block cheese preferred over pre-grated.

• Smoked Paprika: Introduces subtle smoky warmth, Spanish varieties offer most authentic taste.
• Cayenne Pepper: Optional heat booster, adjust according to spice tolerance.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing overall flavor, freshly ground pepper recommended.

• Parsley: Provides fresh, bright garnish, chop finely for best presentation.

Kitchen Tools For Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling spaghetti with enough water and salt.
• Large Skillet: Perfect for creating the creamy cheese sauce and sautéing onions and garlic.
• Whisk: Crucial for smoothly blending milk and preventing lumps in the sauce.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Needed to combine spaghetti, chicken, bacon, and cheese sauce thoroughly.
• 9×13-Inch Baking Dish: Ideal for assembling and baking the entire casserole.
• Cheese Grater: Useful for shredding Monterey Jack and Parmesan cheese.
• Cutting Board: Helps with chopping onions, garlic, and parsley.
• Sharp Knife: Required for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

How To Cook Monterey Chicken Spaghetti The Easy Way

• Pasta Preparation

Boil water in a large pot, adding a pinch of salt. Cook spaghetti until perfectly tender, then drain and set aside.

• Flavor Foundation

Warm olive oil in a skillet. Sauté onions until they turn soft and translucent. Add minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence. Dust flour over the mixture, creating a silky base. Slowly pour milk, whisking to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Melt Monterey Jack and Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring until glossy. Season with smoked paprika and a hint of cayenne for depth.

• Chicken and Bacon Magic

In a spacious mixing bowl, toss cooked spaghetti with tender shredded chicken and crispy crumbled bacon. Pour the luscious cheese sauce over the ingredients, mixing until every strand is gloriously coated.

• Baking Brilliance

Heat the oven to a toasty 375°F. Transfer the creamy mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle an extra layer of cheese on top for a golden, irresistible crust.

• Final Flourish

Bake until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden blanket. For an extra touch of magic, broil briefly to achieve a crispy top. Let the dish rest for a moment, allowing flavors to mingle.

• Serving Delight

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this crowd-pleasing dish.

Tips To Make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Extra Flavorful

• Cheese Swapping Strategy: Experiment with different cheese combinations like cheddar, gouda, or provolone to create unique flavor profiles and match your taste preferences.
• Protein Power-Up: Replace chicken with turkey, shredded pork, or plant-based alternatives like tofu or tempeh for a diverse protein twist that keeps the dish exciting.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Swap traditional spaghetti with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to create a lighter, lower-carbohydrate version perfect for health-conscious food lovers.
• Spice Adventure: Adjust heat levels by increasing or decreasing cayenne pepper, or introduce fresh jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or smoked chipotle powder for a personalized spice experience.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time for a convenient meal prep option.

Serving Monterey Chicken Spaghetti With Cheesy Goodness

• Cheesy Comfort Plate: Serve this hearty Monterey Chicken Spaghetti alongside a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy texture.
• Fresh Veggie Partner: Roast some colorful seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus as a vibrant side dish that complements the pasta's warmth.
• Bread Buddy Boost: Pair with garlic bread or warm crusty French bread to soak up the delicious cheese sauce and add extra satisfying crunch to your meal.
• Wine Weekend Treat: Select a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the dish's richness and enhance the overall dining experience.

How To Store Monterey Chicken Spaghetti For Leftovers

Keep your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti fresh and delicious with these tips.

• Quick Refrigeration Method: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the best taste and texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire dish in a 350F oven for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of milk to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Portion Prep Trick: Divide the casserole into single-serve containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners. Label with the date to track freshness.

Hearty Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Monterey chicken spaghetti combines creamy textures with zesty southwestern flavors for a comforting meal. Cheese-laden pasta and tender chicken create a satisfying dinner you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups milk (or half-and-half)
• 2 tbsps olive oil or butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsps chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water in a large pot, cook spaghetti until al dente, then drain completely and set aside.
2. Aromatic Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Sauce Base Creation: Dust vegetables with flour, stirring to eliminate raw taste, then gradually whisk in milk, allowing the mixture to thicken and develop a smooth, creamy texture.
4. Cheese Infusion: Reduce heat and incorporate Monterey Jack and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until fully melted. Season with smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper to enhance flavor complexity.
5. Ingredient Integration: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, and crumbled bacon, then pour cheese sauce over the ingredients, tossing to ensure uniform coating.
6. Baking Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F, transfer mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading evenly for consistent cooking. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top to create a golden, inviting crust.
7. Final Touches: Bake until cheese melts and edges become crisp, optionally broil for 1-2 minutes to achieve a caramelized surface. Let casserole rest briefly before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving hot.

Notes

• Pasta Precision: Cook spaghetti just shy of al dente since it’ll continue cooking in the cheese sauce and oven, preventing mushy texture.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Reduce heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and maintain smooth, creamy consistency.
• Bacon Brilliance: Crisp bacon beforehand for maximum crunch and flavor intensity; pat dry to reduce excess grease.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to make the dish celiac-friendly without compromising texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 644
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 919 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 61 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg