If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, cheesy, and downright irresistible dinner, this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine tender bite-sized pieces of chicken swimming in a creamy, flavorful sauce, perfectly balanced with colorful bell peppers and gooey melted Monterey Jack cheese all tossed with al dente spaghetti. It’s a family-friendly dish that satisfies cravings for both pasta lovers and comfort food fans alike, bringing together easy ingredients and simple steps to deliver a big payoff on your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the list overwhelm you; these ingredients are straightforward and all-star players in building the rich, creamy taste and delightful texture of this dish. From juicy chicken to creamy cheese and vibrant peppers, each element brings something special.
- 12 ounces spaghetti: The backbone of the dish, providing that perfect pasta base that holds the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For cooking the chicken and sautéing the veggies, adding a subtle richness.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces): Tender protein that soaks up all the seasoning and sauce flavors.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a mellow garlicky warmth that complements fresh garlic.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the seasoning mix.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of spice to balance the creaminess.
- 1 red bell pepper (diced): Adds a pop of color and a natural sweetness.
- 1 green bell pepper (diced): Balances with a slightly more bitter, fresh note.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic that brings vibrancy and a fragrant punch.
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained): Adds a gentle tang and a hint of heat, keeping the sauce lively.
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup: The magic ingredient that makes the sauce creamy and comforting.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds richness and a subtle tanginess that cuts through the cheese beautifully.
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (divided): Melted to creamy perfection, with extra on top to create a golden crust.
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional): A fresh, mild onion note added right before serving for color and brightness.
How to Make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by boiling your spaghetti until it’s al dente according to the package directions. This ensures it has just the right bite and won’t get mushy when baked later. Once done, drain and set it aside to get ready for its creamy coating.
Step 2: Brown and Season the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat then add in your bite-sized chicken pieces. Sprinkle them with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Let them cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until they’re beautifully browned and completely cooked through, locking in moisture and flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Bell Peppers and Garlic
Next, toss in the diced red and green bell peppers along with the minced garlic. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the peppers start to soften but still keep their vibrant color and slight crunch—this adds fresh texture to the dish.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Stir in the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Lower the heat and let everything simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into a luscious, creamy sauce.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheese
Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese into your skillet and stir until melted and thoroughly combined with the sauce. This cheese gives the recipe its signature gooey, mellow creaminess.
Step 6: Combine Spaghetti and Sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti straight into the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated with that dreamy sauce. This step ensures every single strand is bursting with flavor before it heads to the oven.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer everything into a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish, then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese evenly on top. Pop it in a 350°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes until it’s bubbly and the cheese has turned a gorgeous golden brown. This final bake adds texture contrast and that irresistible baked cheese aroma.
How to Serve Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
While optional, sprinkling chopped green onions over the top right before serving adds a vibrant touch and a fresh burst that cuts through the richness. If you like a bit of heat, a light dusting of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper works beautifully as well.
Side Dishes
Serve this cheesy comfort dish with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the creaminess or a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also pair perfectly, helping you scoop up every last bit of that sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist when serving, try layering individual portions in small ramekins topped with extra cheese and broil them until bubbly. This personal touch makes serving feel special and highlights the gooey, golden cheese top that makes Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe so unforgettable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftovers to room temperature then transfer them to an airtight container. They will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days—making this a perfect recipe to enjoy the next day or for easy meal prep.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked Monterey Chicken Spaghetti in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave covered loosely with a damp paper towel or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly again. You might want to add a sprinkle of cheese before reheating to bring back that fresh baked texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of fresh chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time and adds a lovely smoky flavor to your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe without sacrificing any creaminess or heartiness.
Is this recipe spicy?
By default, this recipe has a mild heat from the diced tomatoes with green chilies, but you can easily adjust the spice level by adding cayenne pepper or omit the chilies if you prefer no heat at all.
Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?
If you want a fresher or homemade feel, you can replace the cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce (béchamel) thickened with chicken broth and a bit of cream. This also lets you control the seasoning better.
What cheese can I substitute for Monterey Jack?
Monterey Jack is great for its meltability and mild flavor, but you can substitute mozzarella or a mild white cheddar depending on the flavor profile you prefer. Just make sure to use a good melting cheese for that creamy texture.
Is Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! This dish freezes beautifully and tastes just as delicious when thawed and reheated. Make sure to cool it fully before freezing and use airtight containers to preserve flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is pure comfort food bliss—robust in flavor, creamy, and easy enough to make any night of the week. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing friends, it delivers a cozy, satisfying meal that keeps everyone coming back for more. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes one of your favorite weeknight pasta bakes!
Print
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy baked pasta dish combining tender chicken, bell peppers, and a flavorful blend of diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream of chicken soup, and Monterey Jack cheese. This comforting American main course is perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or make-ahead meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Chicken & Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Other Ingredients
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced red and green bell peppers along with minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the peppers soften slightly.
- Combine Sauces: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese: Stir in 1½ cups of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to evenly coat the pasta with the creamy chicken and vegetable mixture.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Monterey Jack cheese over the top. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the dish is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped green onions if using, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can swap in rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for extra flavor and a bit of heat.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated the next day for a convenient meal.
