Description
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a delicious and easy baked casserole featuring tender chicken, sautéed vegetables, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. This comforting American main course combines shredded Monterey Jack cheese with a blend of Rotel tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream to create a rich, creamy texture that makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti
- 12 ounces spaghetti, cooked and drained
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup diced onion
Sauce and Cheese
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes until it is browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced red bell pepper and onion to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the cooked spaghetti, chicken and vegetable mixture, drained Rotel tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Stir everything together until fully combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the combined spaghetti mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Monterey Jack cheese over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the dish is hot and bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Monterey Jack cheese can be substituted with a Mexican cheese blend or pepper jack for an extra spicy kick.
- For added flavor, consider mixing in cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms.
- This dish is excellent for meal prep and can be frozen before baking to save time on busy days.
