Description
Monterey chicken spaghetti blends creamy textures with zesty Southern flavors for a comforting meal. Cheese-laden noodles and tender chicken create a delightful dinner that will satisfy hungry families and make weeknight meals memorable.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great!)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Cheese and Dairy:
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Base and Additional Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Infuse the chicken breasts with a robust blend of salt, pepper, and optional Cajun seasoning, creating a flavor-packed foundation for the dish.
- Sear the seasoned chicken in a heated pan with olive oil, achieving a golden-brown exterior while ensuring the meat is thoroughly cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes per side.
- Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest momentarily before transforming it into delectable bite-sized morsels.
- Simultaneously, prepare the spaghetti in a pot of salted, boiling water, cooking until it reaches the perfect al dente texture.
- Craft a velvety sauce by whisking together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, and onion powder in a spacious mixing bowl until the mixture achieves a silky-smooth consistency.
- Preheat the oven to 350F (175C), setting the stage for the final culinary transformation.
- In a generously sized casserole dish, artfully combine the tender spaghetti strands, succulent chicken pieces, and luxurious creamy sauce, ensuring each element is thoroughly coated.
- Lavishly sprinkle a decadent layer of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese across the top, creating a molten, golden blanket of cheesy goodness.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbling, slightly bronzed masterpiece.
- After removing from the oven, permit the dish to cool briefly, then garnish with freshly chopped green onions to add a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch.
- Serve alongside a crisp side salad and warm garlic bread, transforming this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti into a complete, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Slice chicken uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Use low-sodium cream of chicken soup to control salt content and prevent the recipe from becoming too salty.
- Substitute whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier, higher-fiber alternative that adds nutritional value.
- For a gluten-free version, replace regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg