Pin
Jump into the best comfort meal around with this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti dish. This amazing mix of soft pasta, moist chicken, and crunchy bacon wraps up in a thick, smooth cheese mix that'll make you smile. The tangy tomatoes and green chilies give just enough spice, while the two cheese types melt into a gooey dream that turns simple stuff into something you won't forget.
I've brought this to so many family events and potlucks, and I always come home with an empty dish and folks asking how to make it. My grandma really loves how the sauce takes her back to her childhood meals, but with a fun new twist.
Must-Have Ingredients
- Spaghetti: These long noodles catch all that yummy sauce perfectly.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: Grate it fresh for the best melty goodness.
- Bacon: Adds that smoky taste that makes everything better.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Makes our sauce super smooth and rich.
- Sour Cream: Gives a nice tang and makes everything creamier.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds a pop of color and mild heat.
Cooking Steps
- Oven Prep:
- First get your oven hot at 350°F so it's all ready for that nice golden top later.
- Noodle Know-how:
- Cook your spaghetti in salty water until it's almost done but still a bit firm since it'll cook more in the oven.
- Mix It Up:
- Stir your chicken soup with sour cream and spices until you get a smooth, creamy mix.
- Cheesy Business:
- Put in half your fresh Monterey Jack and stir until your sauce looks silky and even.
- Put It Together:
- Mix your noodles with the awesome sauce, then add chicken, bacon, and tomatoes so everything gets coated.
Pin
The way bacon adds that smoky flavor throughout is my family's favorite part. I've learned to cook more bacon than needed because it always seems to vanish while I'm getting everything else ready!
Serving Ideas
Serve your casserole with a fresh arugula salad with lemon dressing and some hot garlic bread that's perfect for soaking up every bit of that tasty sauce.
Mix It Up
Try adding cooked mushrooms for a woodsy flavor, or throw in fresh spinach for color and healthiness. If you like things spicy, chop up some jalapeños for extra kick.
Keeping Leftovers
Store what's left in a sealed container in your fridge for up to three days. When you warm it up, add a little milk to make it creamy again.
I've made tons of pasta dishes over the years, but this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti really stands out as everyone's favorite. The way it takes basic ingredients and turns them into something amazing always wows my guests. It's perfect comfort food whether you're making dinner at home or bringing something to share.
Pin
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can this casserole be frozen?
- Definitely! Freeze it before adding the onion topping. Wrap tightly and store up to 3 months. Add onions right before baking.
- → What's a good substitute for cream of chicken soup?
- Create a simple sauce from butter, flour, and chicken broth instead. Works like a charm!
- → Can fresh spinach be used instead?
- Of course! Just cook about a pound of fresh spinach until it’s wilted, drain well, and swap it in for frozen.
- → Is rotisserie chicken a good option?
- Totally! It saves time and brings lots of savory goodness to the dish.
- → How can I stop the onion topping from burning?
- If it’s browning too fast, loosely cover the dish with foil while it finishes up in the oven.