Imagine all the cheesy, smoky, and comforting flavors you crave in a single, satisfying meal—that’s Monterey Chicken Spaghetti. This dish takes tender chicken, swirls of spaghetti, a barbecue-kissed tomato sauce, and a generous blanket of Monterey Jack cheese, then ties it all together with a savory ribbon of crispy bacon. Every forkful is packed with flavor and soul-warming goodness, making Monterey Chicken Spaghetti a cozy weeknight hero or a crowd-pleasing centerpiece at any potluck.

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is that it calls for everyday ingredients with big personalities. Each one contributes either flavor, texture, or visual pop, so don’t skip a thing! Here’s what you’ll need:

Spaghetti (12 ounces): The satisfying base, ready to soak up every bit of sauce and cheese.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (1 pound, diced): The heart of the dish—tender and juicy, soaking up all the seasonings.
Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Delivers a mellow, savory undertone to every bite.
Onion Powder (1 teaspoon): Adds savory depth without chopping extra onions.
Smoked Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses subtle smokiness that plays perfectly with the barbecue sauce and bacon.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out the flavors of every ingredient.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Offers just enough warmth to balance the cheese and sauce.
Yellow Onion (1 small, diced): Provides a hint of sweetness and lovely texture in the sauce.
Red Bell Pepper (1, diced): Adds color, crunch, and a gentle sweetness.
Canned Diced Tomatoes (1 cup, drained): Create a tangy base that rounds out the barbecue flavors.
Chicken Broth (1/2 cup): Helps meld the sauce and keeps every strand of spaghetti moist and flavorful.
Barbecue Sauce (1/2 cup): The signature twist—smoky, tangy, and just sweet enough to tie everything together.
Monterey Jack Cheese (1 1/2 cups, shredded): Melts into creamy perfection and brings signature gooeyness to Monterey Chicken Spaghetti.
Cooked and Crumbled Bacon (1/2 cup): Delivers irresistible crunch and smoky-salty goodness in every mouthful.
Fresh Parsley or Green Onions (1/4 cup, chopped, for garnish): Lively, fresh, and colorful—don’t skimp on this finishing touch!

How to Make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Begin by boiling your spaghetti just until al dente, which means it should still have a bit of bite to it. This allows the pasta to hold up wonderfully when tossed with the sauce and melted cheese later on. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside so they’re ready to soak up all the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti flavors.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add your diced chicken. Sprinkle over the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned on the outside and cooked through. These spices lay down the flavor foundation of the dish!

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

Stir in the diced yellow onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for another 3 to 4 minutes, just until the veggies are tender and glossy but still retain some of their crunch and vivid color. This step not only infuses more flavor but also gives the final Monterey Chicken Spaghetti a pop of freshness throughout.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Toss in the drained diced tomatoes, pour in the chicken broth, and add the barbecue sauce. Stir everything together and let it gently simmer for 5 minutes. The sauce will marry the sweet, smoky, tangy, and savory notes that make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti so crave-worthy.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add the cooked spaghetti right into the skillet with the sauce and chicken mixture. Toss well, getting every noodle coated in that dreamy, flavorful sauce. Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese generously over the top and cover the pan with a lid for a few minutes—just until the cheese melts into gooey ribbons. Finish by scattering the crumbled bacon and fresh herbs on top, and serve it up warm!

How to Serve Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Garnishes

For that final flourish, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions brings a burst of freshness and color. If you’re feeling indulgent, try an extra dusting of Monterey Jack cheese or even a few sliced jalapeños for a kick.

Side Dishes

Serve Monterey Chicken Spaghetti alongside a crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up any cheesy sauce left on the plate, and roasted broccoli or asparagus adds a nice, light counterpoint.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, you can bake Monterey Chicken Spaghetti by transferring it to a casserole dish after combining everything. Top with extra cheese and bacon, then bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes. It’s a showstopping way to serve at potlucks or family gatherings, with golden bubbly cheese on top!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Monterey Chicken Spaghetti keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Just transfer it to an airtight container to lock in all those smoky, cheesy flavors and prevent the pasta from drying out.

Freezing

To freeze, simply transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. It will keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to make serving a breeze.

Reheating

Reheat Monterey Chicken Spaghetti on the stove over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual servings, covered, until hot and creamy. If it’s baked, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! You can swap the spaghetti for linguine, penne, or even rotini if you want to switch things up or use what you have on hand. Just be sure to cook your pasta al dente so it doesn’t over-soften when mixed with the sauce.

What can I substitute for Monterey Jack cheese?

If you don’t have Monterey Jack, try a blend of mozzarella and mild cheddar. Pepper Jack will give it a spicy boost, or use Colby Jack for a little extra creaminess.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

For a little heat, add finely chopped jalapeños to the veggies, mix in a dash of hot sauce with the barbecue sauce, or sprinkle crushed red pepper over the top before serving. Monterey Chicken Spaghetti loves a spicy upgrade!

Can I make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dish through assembling, then cover and chill in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove or pop it in the oven with a fresh layer of cheese until melted and bubbly.

How can I make this recipe even faster?

Use leftover or rotisserie chicken in place of cooking the chicken breasts from scratch. That way, Monterey Chicken Spaghetti can be on the table in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for super-busy nights.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dinner that’s as comforting as it is crowd-pleasing, Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is sure to become a staple in your rotation. Each bite is a hearty hug packed with flavor, color, and cheesy goodness. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 28 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and flavorful dish, Monterey Chicken Spaghetti combines tender chicken, savory barbecue sauce, and gooey cheese over a bed of spaghetti, creating a hearty meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti:

12 ounces spaghetti

Chicken:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables:

1 small yellow onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced

Sauce and Cheese:

1 cup canned diced tomatoes (drained)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Garnish:

1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or green onions

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Instructions

Cook the spaghetti: Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook the diced chicken with seasonings until browned and cooked through.
Add vegetables and sauce: Sauté onion and bell pepper, then add tomatoes, chicken broth, and barbecue sauce. Simmer to blend flavors.
Combine and melt cheese: Toss cooked spaghetti in the skillet, top with cheese, and cover until melted.
Finish and serve: Add bacon, garnish with parsley or green onions, and serve warm.