Cheesy Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Comfort meets culinary creativity in this tantalizing monterey chicken spaghetti that promises to delight every taste bud.

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, the dish brings together tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta.

Melted monterey jack cheese creates a luxurious sauce that clings to each strand of spaghetti.

Weeknight dinners never looked so good with this simple yet impressive meal.

Home cooks can whip up this crowd-pleasing recipe in under an hour.

The blend of savory chicken and rich cheese makes this spaghetti a guaranteed winner at your dinner table.

What’s Inside Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

• Spaghetti: Classic pasta that creates a delightful foundation for the creamy chicken dish, choose high-quality wheat pasta for best texture and flavor..

• Shredded Chicken: Tender protein that adds heartiness, use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation or freshly grilled chicken for deeper flavor..
• Bacon: Crispy meat that introduces smoky richness, select thick-cut bacon for maximum crunch and intense taste..

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking base that helps sauté aromatics, opt for extra virgin for enhanced flavor profile..
• Onion: Aromatic vegetable providing depth and sweetness, choose fresh yellow onions for mild, complementary taste..
• Garlic: Intense flavor enhancer that elevates the entire dish, select fresh cloves for most potent taste..
• Flour: Thickening agent that creates silky sauce consistency, use all-purpose flour for smooth blending..
• Milk: Creamy liquid that forms sauce foundation, whole milk recommended for richest texture..
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Melty, mild cheese that creates luxurious sauce, select freshly grated for best melting quality..
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, aged cheese adding complex flavor, choose authentic block and grate yourself..
• Smoked Paprika: Subtle smoky seasoning that adds depth, select high-quality Spanish paprika..
• Cayenne Pepper: Optional spice that introduces gentle heat, adjust according to personal spice preference..
• Salt: Essential seasoning that balances flavors, use kosher or sea salt for pure taste..
• Black Pepper: Warm spice that enhances overall dish.

Cooking Tools For Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling spaghetti with plenty of water and salt.
• Large Skillet: Perfect for creating the creamy cheese sauce and sautéing onions and garlic.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining spaghetti, chicken, bacon, and cheese sauce.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Needed for assembling and baking the casserole.
• Whisk: Crucial for smoothly blending milk and preventing lumps in the sauce.
• Cutting Board: Used for chopping onions, garlic, and parsley.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient measurements.
• Colander: Helps drain cooked spaghetti quickly and efficiently.

Simple Steps To Make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

• Pasta Preparation

Boil water with a pinch of salt. Drop spaghetti into bubbling liquid and cook until perfectly tender. Drain and set aside, letting steam escape.

• Flavor Foundation

Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet. Toss chopped onions until they turn translucent and soft. Sprinkle minced garlic and let aromas dance. Dust flour over the mixture, stirring gently to create a smooth base.

• Creamy Transformation

Pour milk slowly, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Allow sauce to thicken and become silky. Fold in Monterey Jack and Parmesan cheeses until they melt into a luxurious blanket. Season with smoked paprika and a hint of cayenne for a gentle kick.

• Mixing Magic

Combine cooked spaghetti with shredded chicken and crispy bacon. Pour cheese sauce over everything, tossing until each strand is beautifully coated.

• Baking Brilliance

Transfer mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle extra cheese on top, creating a golden promise of deliciousness. Slide into a preheated oven and bake until cheese bubbles and edges turn golden brown.

• Final Touch

Remove from oven and let rest briefly. Scatter fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while cheese is still molten and inviting.

How To Add More Flavor To Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

• Cheese Swap Success: Try different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyere, or provolone for unique flavor profiles that complement the smoky chicken and bacon.
• Low-Carb Magic: Replace traditional spaghetti with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, gluten-free alternative that keeps all the delicious flavors intact.
• Protein Power Boost: Experiment with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even plant-based chicken alternatives to make the dish more flexible for different dietary needs and preferences.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing cayenne pepper, or swap it with mild green chiles for a more subtle kick that won't overwhelm the dish's rich, creamy texture.
• Vegetarian Twist: Skip the chicken and bacon, and instead load up on roasted vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach to create a hearty, vegetable-packed casserole that's equally satisfying.

How To Serve Monterey Chicken Spaghetti On Any Night

• Cheese Lover's Paradise: Sprinkle extra Monterey Jack and Parmesan on top right before serving to create a tantalizing cheesy crust that melts in your mouth.
• Fresh Green Boost: Scatter chopped fresh parsley, chives, or green onions over the casserole for a vibrant color pop and a light, herbal freshness that cuts through the rich, creamy sauce.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled shrimp or crispy diced pancetta alongside the chicken to create an extra protein-packed meal that will satisfy hearty appetites and add more depth to the flavor profile.
• Crunch Factor: Top the casserole with toasted breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers before baking to introduce a delightful crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy spaghetti underneath.

Keep Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Fresh And Ready

• Quick Chill & Store: Transfer leftovers to airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them cool and fresh for future meals.
• Refrigerator Magic: Store the chicken spaghetti in sealed containers for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety when refrigerated at 40°F or below.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap individual portions or whole casserole tightly in aluminum foil and freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2 months for convenient future dinners.
• Reheating Brilliance: Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then warm in oven at 350°F covered with foil for 15-20 minutes. Add splash of milk to restore creamy texture and prevent drying out.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 5

Cheesy Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Monterey chicken spaghetti delivers a mouthwatering fusion of creamy pasta and tender chicken. Cheese and spices blend seamlessly to create a comforting meal you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups chicken, shredded
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
• 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups milk (or half-and-half)
• 2 tbsps olive oil or butter
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsps chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Submerge spaghetti in salted boiling water, cooking until al dente. Drain completely and reserve for subsequent assembly.
2. Sauce Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, sautéing onions until translucent. Incorporate garlic and create a roux by sprinkling flour, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
3. Sauce Development: Slowly introduce milk, whisking meticulously to eliminate potential lumps. Simmer until the mixture thickens, creating a creamy base.
4. Cheese Integration: Reduce heat and blend Monterey Jack and Parmesan cheeses into the sauce, achieving a silky consistency. Enhance with smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper to amplify flavor profile.
5. Ingredient Fusion: Merge shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and prepared spaghetti with the cheese sauce, ensuring complete and even coating of all components.
6. Baking Preparation: Transfer the combined mixture into a well-greased baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle remaining cheese across the surface to create an appealing golden crust.
7. Culinary Transformation: Roast in a preheated 375°F oven for 20-25 minutes, allowing the casserole to meld and cheese to melt beautifully. Optional: Activate broiler for 1-2 minutes to achieve a perfectly caramelized topping.
8. Serving Finale: Rest the dish briefly, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve while piping hot, radiating irresistible aroma and flavor.

Notes

• Optimize Pasta Texture: Cook spaghetti al dente to prevent mushiness when baking, ensuring a perfect bite and preventing pasta from becoming overly soft during the final cooking stage.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Whisk milk slowly and consistently to create a smooth roux, avoiding lumps and ensuring a creamy, velvety sauce that coats ingredients evenly.
• Bacon Crispness Technique: Cook bacon separately until extra crispy, then crumble to maintain texture and prevent sogginess when mixed into the casserole.
• Cheese Melting Mastery: Use freshly grated cheese for optimal melting and avoid pre-shredded varieties, which contain anti-caking agents that can impact sauce smoothness and flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg