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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water in a large pot, cook spaghetti until al dente, then drain completely and set aside.
- Aromatic Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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