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Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Tender chicken and spaghetti in a creamy cheese sauce with sautéed vegetables—ready in 40 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner or baked casserole-style for special occasions.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken shredded, about 2 chicken breasts
  • 8 oz spaghetti or any pasta of your choice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup onion chopped
  • 1/2 cup bell pepper chopped
  • 1/2 cup mushrooms sliced
  • 1 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup milk or chicken broth for a lighter version
  • Fresh parsley chopped, optional for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot for pasta
  • Large skillet (12-inch)
  • 9x13 inch baking dish (optional)
  • Cheese grater

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. Do not rinse the pasta.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and develop color around the edges.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk. Whisk until smooth with no lumps. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until heated through and slightly thickened.
  5. Add the shredded chicken and 1/2 cup of the Monterey Jack cheese to the sauce. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the chicken is warmed through.
  6. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet and toss everything together using tongs or two large spoons until every strand is coated with sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  7. For stovetop version: Sprinkle remaining cheese on top, cover pan for 1 minute to melt, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.
  8. For baked version: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading into an even layer. Sprinkle remaining Monterey Jack and all of the cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  9. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly around the edges. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating. Reheating: Microwave 2-3 minutes or oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Add splash of milk or broth to refresh. Make-ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready (add 10 minutes to baking time). Variations: Use rotisserie chicken, ground beef, or turkey. Add jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese for spice. Try different pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni. Lighter version: Use chicken broth instead of milk, reduced-fat sour cream, and less cheese.