Description

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy baked pasta dish that combines tender shredded chicken, melted Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, and a hint of smoky paprika for a flavorful and comforting meal. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe brings together cooked spaghetti with a savory chicken and tomato mixture, all baked until bubbly and topped with fresh green onions.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 oz spaghetti

Chicken Mixture

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Dairy and Toppings

1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (divided)
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup green onions, sliced

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add Chicken and Seasonings: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is heated through and the flavors meld.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, chicken mixture, sour cream, milk, half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors and creaminess.
Assemble and Bake: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses evenly on top followed by the sliced green onions. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on the edges.
Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot for a satisfying and cheesy meal.

Notes

You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Drain the diced tomatoes thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use diced tomatoes with hotter chilies.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a bit more sour cream or milk when mixing the ingredients.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Monterey Chicken Spaghetti, cheesy chicken pasta bake, baked spaghetti recipe, comfort food, easy chicken dinner