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Delicious plate of Monterey Chicken Spaghetti topped with fresh herbs

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

This baked pasta combines tender chicken, melted cheese, and a creamy sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
  • 8 oz Spaghetti Long pasta that holds the sauce well.
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil Used for sautéing vegetables.
  • 1 medium Onion Chopped into small pieces.
  • 1 medium Bell pepper Use any color you like.
  • 8 oz Mushrooms Sliced before cooking.
  • 1 can Cream of chicken soup Forms the base of the sauce.
  • 1 cup Sour cream Adds tang and creaminess.
  • 2 cups Cooked chicken Use rotisserie or leftovers, shredded or chopped.
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese Milder cheese that melts smoothly.
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese Adds sharp flavor on top.
  • 1/2 cup Milk Used to thin and flavor the sauce.
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic powder For seasoning.
  • 1/2 tsp Onion powder For seasoning.
  • 2 tbsp Fresh parsley Optional garnish for brightness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the spaghetti to al dente per package instructions. Drain and set aside to prevent overcooking.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms and cook until soft and slightly browned.
  3. Stir in cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook briefly until the mixture is smooth and heated through.
  4. Mix in the cooked chicken and half the Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the chicken warms.
  5. Toss the drained pasta into the skillet. Mix well so the noodles get evenly coated with sauce.
Baking
  1. Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with remaining Monterey Jack and cheddar, and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until bubbly.

Notes

Don't overcook pasta; Drain at al dente to avoid mushy texture. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings before baking. For variations, consider adding jalapeño for spice or using reduced-fat ingredients.