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Ultimate Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: Cheesy Comfort Food Casserole for Easy Weeknight Dinners

This Monterey chicken spaghetti recipe combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce for the ultimate comfort food experience. It's an easy weeknight dinner that delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort and works beautifully for busy families or casual gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 pound spaghetti or linguine
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and red bell pepper, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Reduce heat to low and stir in cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Mix until smooth and creamy. Add Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked chicken.
  4. Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce mixture, tossing gently to coat every strand. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the Monterey Jack cheese and all of the cheddar cheese until well combined.
  5. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with remaining 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
  6. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting. Cook pasta al dente since it continues cooking in oven. Can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen. Customize with additional vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli.