Cheesy Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: A Weeknight Favorite That's Hard to Resist!

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When you're looking for a meal that's quick, hearty, and full of flavor, Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is the dish that can do it all. Packed with tender chicken, a rich and creamy sauce, and topped with a layer of Monterey Jack cheese, this recipe delivers the kind of satisfying comfort you crave after a long day. It's a perfect balance of savory and cheesy goodness with just a hint of spice from diced tomatoes with green chilies. Whether it's a casual family dinner or a dish for guests, Monterey Chicken Spaghetti will quickly become a household favorite.

A Twist on Tradition

This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti takes a beloved pasta dish and gives it a new twist with a Southwestern flair. The combination of the juicy shredded chicken with the creamy base of cream of chicken soup and sour cream makes every bite irresistible. The mild kick from diced tomatoes with green chilies, paired with the smoky flavor of paprika, adds layers of flavor that take this dish to the next level.

The star of the show, Monterey Jack cheese, is the perfect choice to bring everything together. Known for its creamy, slightly tangy taste, this cheese melts beautifully, creating a smooth, velvety finish to the dish. Baked until bubbly and golden, it's the ultimate topping for a meal that's as comforting as it is delicious.

Recipe: Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Mix until smooth, then add the diced tomatoes, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
5. Add the shredded chicken and cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing until everything is coated evenly in the creamy sauce.
6. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and creamy.
7. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and serve warm.

A Dish That Brings People Together

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is more than just a meal—it's a dish that invites everyone to gather around the table. It's rich and satisfying, but still simple enough to make on a busy weeknight. The combination of cheesy, creamy pasta with tender chicken and just a touch of spice from the tomatoes with green chilies makes it a crowd-pleaser that people of all ages will love.

Whether you’re whipping it up for a special occasion or just need a quick go-to dinner, this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is sure to hit the spot. The ease of preparation, combined with the delicious flavors, will leave your family asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds!

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a delicious, cheesy casserole that combines tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and Monterey Jack cheese with spaghetti, offering a Southwestern twist on classic comfort food. The dish starts by sautéing onions and garlic, followed by mixing in cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, and a blend of seasonings like paprika and garlic powder. Diced tomatoes with green chilies add a mild kick, and everything is topped with melty Monterey Jack cheese.

To prepare it, you simply mix the cooked spaghetti and chicken into the creamy sauce, sprinkle on more cheese, and bake until bubbly. The result is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for any family dinner. It's easy to customize by adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli, and you can make it ahead for busy weeknights.

This dish can be refrigerated for up to three days, and also freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance. Reheat it in the microwave or oven for a quick meal later.

For more details, you can explore similar recipes from sources like Bowl Me Over or New South Charm​(New South Charm:)​(Bowl Me Over)​(12 Tomatoes).