Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Save this recipe on:

If comfort food had a flavor, it would taste just like this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti. With a blend of creamy cheeses, savory chicken, and a subtle kick from green chilies, this dish wraps you in warmth with every bite. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to go back for seconds before you’ve even finished your first serving.

Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a one-dish wonder that satisfies both kids and adults alike. It’s rich and cheesy without being heavy, and the Tex-Mex flair keeps things exciting on the plate. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a crowd, this recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

This dish checks all the boxes for a crowd-pleasing casserole. The creaminess of the cheese pairs beautifully with tender spaghetti and juicy chicken. Add-ins like Rotel tomatoes and green chilies bring a zesty twist, while Monterey Jack cheese melts like a dream, creating a velvety texture throughout.

Another reason to love it? It’s incredibly flexible. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or cook fresh chicken breasts. It freezes well, reheats beautifully, and tastes just as good the next day — maybe even better.

Can I Use a Different Type of Spaghetti for This Recipe?

Absolutely. Traditional spaghetti works perfectly, but if you prefer angel hair, fettuccine, or even a gluten-free noodle, go for it. Just keep in mind that thinner pasta will cook faster and absorb sauce a bit differently. Cook until al dente and toss gently with the cheesy mixture to avoid breaking the strands.

Ingredients for the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

The ingredients in this dish are humble but when combined, they make something truly satisfying. Every item adds richness, flavor, and a creamy depth that brings this dish together perfectly.

• Spaghetti
• Cooked chicken
• Monterey Jack cheese
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
• Diced green chilies
• Onion
• Garlic
• Salt and pepper
• Butter

You’ll want spaghetti cooked to al dente to keep it from becoming mushy in the bake. Cooked chicken is the protein star and can be from rotisserie or homemade. Monterey Jack cheese gives that smooth melt with just the right tang.

Cream of chicken soup and sour cream make the sauce rich and creamy. Rotel tomatoes with green chilies and extra diced green chilies give it a Southwest zing. A bit of onion and garlic sautéed in butter round out the savory base. Season simply with salt and pepper.

How To Make the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Boil the spaghetti in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a big mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, Rotel tomatoes, green chilies, salt, and pepper. Add in the sautéed onions and garlic.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Add the shredded cooked chicken and half the shredded Monterey Jack cheese to the sauce mixture. Then gently toss in the cooked spaghetti until fully coated.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese. Bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.

Serving and Storing Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is hearty enough to feed 6 to 8 people, making it a great pick for family-style dinners or potlucks. Serve it straight out of the oven with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just store them in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This dish also freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What to Serve With Monterey Chicken Spaghetti?

Garlic Bread

A warm, crispy side of garlic bread is the ultimate partner to this creamy pasta. It helps soak up all that rich, cheesy sauce.

Simple Green Salad

Balance the richness with a crisp salad of mixed greens, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette.

Roasted Broccoli

Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast them until golden and tender. A healthy contrast to the cheesy pasta.

Cornbread Muffins

A soft, slightly sweet cornbread muffin adds a Southern touch and pairs nicely with the Tex-Mex flavors.

Steamed Green Beans

Lightly steamed green beans with a bit of butter and garlic offer a simple, no-fuss veggie side.

Creamed Spinach

If you want to double down on comfort, serve this with creamy spinach for a lush, indulgent experience.

Pickled Jalapeños

For a little heat, a few tangy pickled jalapeños on the side can wake up the palate and enhance the dish.

Cucumber Tomato Salad

A chilled cucumber and tomato salad with red onion and vinegar dressing brings brightness and crunch to the table.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you love this cheesy, zesty Monterey Chicken Spaghetti, here are a few more pasta dishes packed with flavor and comfort:

• Try this Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a hearty twist on a classic.
• This Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce gives you that savory beef-and-cheese combo in pasta form.
• For something a little lighter but still creamy, check out the Creamy Broccoli Pasta that sneaks in some greens.
• You’ll also love the ease of this One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta, a weeknight favorite.
• Don’t miss the Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta for when you want comfort in under 30 minutes.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add some spice or stick to the original? Maybe used cheddar instead of Monterey Jack?

I love hearing how others make these dishes their own. Questions welcome – let’s help each other make weeknight dinners easier and tastier.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners and comfort meals on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new weeknight favorites!

Print

Save this recipe on: