Go Back
monterey-chicken-spaghetti_feature

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

This Monterey chicken spaghetti recipe combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a creamy cheese sauce that will become your new family favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting casserole comes together in one dish and bakes to golden perfection.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 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. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  4. Add the cooked spaghetti, chicken, and onion-garlic mixture to the bowl. Stir gently to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
  5. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, spreading evenly.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown. For extra browning, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
  7. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. For extra browning, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.