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Cheesy Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

A creamy baked pasta loaded with seasoned chicken, Monterey Jack cheese sauce, and tender spaghetti, perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 610

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts diced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1.5 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese for the sauce
  • 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese for topping
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • whisk

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
  2. In a bowl, toss the diced chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until evenly coated.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
  4. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
  5. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to remove the raw flour taste.
  6. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Cook until the sauce begins to thicken, then stir in the cream cheese, Monterey Jack, cheddar, smoked paprika, and black pepper until smooth.
  7. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the cooked spaghetti. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce, and toss until fully coated.
  8. Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish and sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
  9. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden top, watching closely.
  10. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of milk, or in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating. Can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking.