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Monterey Chicken Spaghetti featured image showcasing a creamy, cheesy pasta dish with chicken.

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Featuring tender chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, and a luscious cream sauce, it's a flavor explosion that's both satisfying and easy to make.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Optional: Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • large skillet
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • wooden spoon or spatula
  • 9x13 inch baking dish (optional)
  • Oven (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
  3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
  5. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Monterey Jack cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  6. Add the cooked spaghetti and chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
  7. Pour the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. If you're short on time, you can skip the baking step and serve it straight from the skillet.
  9. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Don't overcook the pasta, cook it al dente for the best texture. Use good quality cheese. Don't overheat the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning. You can assemble the spaghetti ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add cooked broccoli, mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a kick. Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor that's irresistible. Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, cheddar, or Gruyere. Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the sauce for extra creaminess. Leftover Monterey Chicken Spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave it until heated through, or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream to the spaghetti to prevent it from drying out.