If you’re hunting for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s bursting with flavor, look no further than this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe. Combining tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, tangy tomatoes with green chilies, and a golden, bubbly top, this dish is a true weeknight hero. It’s the kind of meal that feels special enough for guests but easy enough for a cozy family night, and every bite delivers the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is delightfully straightforward, but each component brings something important to the table—whether it’s a boost of creaminess, a pop of color, or a hit of spice. Here’s what you’ll need to build layers of flavor and that irresistible, gooey casserole texture:
- Spaghetti (12 oz, cooked and drained): The sturdy base that soaks up all those delicious flavors and holds everything together.
- Cooked chicken (2 cups, shredded): Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience and keeps things juicy and tender.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Just enough to sauté the aromatics and kickstart the flavor-building.
- Small onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth as it cooks down.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Gives that unmistakable savory aroma that makes your kitchen smell heavenly.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz can, drained): Brings a tangy, slightly spicy kick that wakes up the whole dish.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): For a luscious, creamy base with a subtle tang.
- Cream cheese (1/2 cup, softened): Melts into the sauce for dreamy smoothness and rich flavor.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a gentle smokiness that’s absolutely irresistible.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with just the right amount of warmth.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who love a little extra heat—customize to your liking!
- Monterey Jack cheese (2 cups, shredded): The star cheese, known for its meltability and mild, creamy taste.
- Fresh parsley or green onions (1/4 cup, chopped, for garnish): A fresh, colorful finish that makes the casserole pop on the table.
How to Make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step ensures your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe doesn’t stick and will come out in perfect, cheesy squares.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle in the olive oil. Toss in the diced onion and sauté until it’s soft and turning translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more—just until fragrant but not browned.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Chicken Mixture
Stir in your cooked, shredded chicken and the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Let everything mingle and warm through, then reduce the heat to low. Now, add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if you’re using it. Stir gently but thoroughly until everything is creamy, dreamy, and well blended.
Step 4: Combine with Spaghetti and Cheese
Add your cooked spaghetti straight into the skillet and toss it all together so the noodles are evenly coated with that luscious sauce. Fold in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, reserving the rest for the topping. The cheese will start to melt right into the sauce, making it even more decadent.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it out so it’s nice and even. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese over the top for that signature golden, bubbly finish. Pop the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it’s hot, bubbly, and lightly golden at the edges.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes so everything sets up beautifully. Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions for a burst of color and freshness before serving.
How to Serve Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnish can take this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe from comforting to company-worthy. I love scattering a handful of chopped fresh parsley or green onions just before serving. Not only do they add a pop of green, but they bring a fresh bite that balances the rich, cheesy sauce. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a little sprinkle of smoked paprika or even a tiny spoonful of diced pickled jalapeños can add a unique twist and a dash of color.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a meal in itself, but it plays well with a few simple sides. Think crisp green salads with a tangy vinaigrette (to cut the richness), roasted broccoli, or garlicky green beans. Warm, crusty bread is always a hit for sopping up every last bit of creamy sauce. For a heartier spread, serve alongside corn on the cob or a quick cucumber-tomato salad for a refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to have a little fun with presentation! Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a dinner party, or spoon it into large pasta bowls topped with extra cheese and herbs. If you’re packing up leftovers for lunch, tuck portions into thermos containers to keep them warm and gooey. For a family-style meal, bring the bubbling casserole right to the table and let everyone dig in—it’s guaranteed to disappear fast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe stores like a dream. Simply cover the cooled casserole tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making those leftovers extra delicious!
Freezing
If you want to get ahead, this casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble as directed (but don’t bake), wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. To freeze leftovers, portion into individual containers for quick and easy weeknight dinners. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes for a whole dish or 5-7 minutes for single servings. You can also microwave individual portions—just add a splash of milk or broth to keep things creamy and stir halfway through. Either way, you’ll be rewarded with that same gooey, cheesy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic in this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe, you can swap in linguine, fettuccine, or even penne if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it holds up during baking.
Is there a way to make this casserole spicier?
If you’re a fan of heat, increase the cayenne pepper, add extra diced green chilies, or stir in a few spoonfuls of your favorite hot sauce. You can also top the finished casserole with sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes while the oven preheats, then bake as directed.
What are some good ways to add extra vegetables?
Feel free to sauté mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers along with the onions and garlic. You can also toss in some frozen peas or chopped broccoli before baking for added color, flavor, and nutrition.
Is this casserole suitable for freezing?
Definitely! This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is freezer-friendly. Assemble and freeze before baking, or freeze leftovers in airtight containers. Thaw overnight and reheat when you’re ready for an effortless meal.
Final Thoughts
This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe truly delivers on comfort and flavor, with cheesy layers and just the right amount of kick. It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but special enough to share with friends and family. Give it a try next time you need a guaranteed dinner win—you’re going to love every bite!
Print
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a creamy, comforting baked pasta dish featuring shredded chicken, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and a flavorful sauce with diced tomatoes and green chilies. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s easy to prepare and delivers a rich, savory taste with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 oz spaghetti (cooked and drained)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Cheese and Garnish
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Create Sauce Base: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and drained diced tomatoes with green chilies to the skillet. Reduce heat to low and add the cream cheese and sour cream. Mix in smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir continuously until the sauce is creamy and all ingredients are well combined.
- Combine with Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss gently to coat all noodles evenly with the creamy sauce. Fold in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, mixing until partially melted.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake and Serve: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly. Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions before serving for a fresh touch.
Notes
- For convenience, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken yourself.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to increase vegetable content and add flavor.
- This casserole freezes well; allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
