Looking for a hearty, creamy, and flavor-packed pasta dish that’s perfect for any night of the week? This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe brings together tender chicken, gooey cheese, and a rich, savory sauce—all baked to perfection. Whether you’re feeding the family or impressing guests, this dish will soon become a go-to favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this! Combining the warmth of a baked spaghetti casserole with the bold flavors of Monterey Jack cheese and seasoned chicken, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of creaminess, texture, and taste.
What makes this recipe stand out?
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Family-friendly: A hit with both kids and adults.
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Customizable: Easy to adapt with your favorite veggies or proteins.
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Make-ahead friendly: Prep it in advance for busy weeknights.
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Freezer-friendly: Store leftovers for future meals.
Ingredients for Monterey Chicken Spaghetti
To create this comforting dish, you’ll need:
For the Chicken & Pasta
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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12 oz spaghetti (or your preferred pasta)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp black pepper
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1 tsp garlic powder
For the Sauce
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3 tbsp butter
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3 tbsp all-purpose flour
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2 cups chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
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1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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1 small onion, finely diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
Optional Garnishes
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Fresh parsley, chopped
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Extra Monterey Jack cheese
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Crumbled bacon
How to Make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to whip up this delicious Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe at home:
Cook the Pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
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Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken
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Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes on each side, or until golden and cooked through.
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Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then shred or dice.
Make the Creamy Sauce
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In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
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Add diced onion and cook until softened (about 3–4 minutes).
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Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
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Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes.
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Gradually add chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking constantly.
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Season with paprika and Italian seasoning.
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Stir in Monterey Jack and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Casserole
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, and the cheese sauce.
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Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Top with extra cheese if desired.
Bake
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Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
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Garnish with parsley and bacon before serving.
Tips for the Best Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker version.
Swap the pasta: Try penne, rotini, or fettuccine for variety.
Add vegetables: Mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach blend beautifully into the dish.
Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Variations on Monterey Chicken Spaghetti
Low-Carb Option
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Substitute spaghetti with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Extra Creamy
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Add 1/2 cup of cream cheese to the sauce for an ultra-rich texture.
Gluten-Free
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Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and gluten-free flour in the roux.
Storing & Reheating
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as instructed.
Reheating: Warm portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe: Conclusion
This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that brings people together. Whether you’re looking for a cozy family dinner or a satisfying meal-prep option, this dish checks all the boxes: flavorful, creamy, and incredibly easy to make.
FAQ About Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
1. Can I make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. When ready, bake as directed.
2. What can I substitute for Monterey Jack cheese?
You can use cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses. Monterey Jack offers a mild flavor and great meltability, but other cheeses will also work.
3. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken works perfectly and saves time.
4. How do I make this recipe spicier?
For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or use pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack.
5. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! You can freeze it before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake as usual for a fresh-out-of-the-oven result.
