Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Monterey chicken spaghetti is one of those creamy, cheesy pasta dishes that I keep coming back to again and again. It combines tender shredded chicken, sauteed vegetables, and a velvety Monterey Jack cheese sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti. If you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner that feels like a warm hug, this is it.

I still remember the first time I threw this together on a Tuesday night with leftover rotisserie chicken and a can of cream of chicken soup. My family cleaned their plates and immediately asked when I was making it again. That is the magic of Monterey chicken spaghetti. It is the kind of creamy chicken pasta recipe that feels indulgent but comes together in about 40 minutes without a lot of fuss. The combination of Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, and seasoned vegetables creates a rich, satisfying sauce that makes this dish an instant family favorite.

What You Will Need to Make This Creamy Chicken Spaghetti

I always keep these pantry staples on hand so I can pull this recipe together any night of the week. Pro tip: freshly shredded cheese melts much smoother than pre-shredded, and a good rotisserie chicken saves serious time.

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 2 chicken breasts – rotisserie chicken works great here)
• 8 oz spaghetti (or any pasta you prefer)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped (red bell pepper adds a little sweetness)
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream (reduced-fat works fine too)
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (freshly shredded for best melt)
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup milk (or chicken broth for a lighter version)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Pro tip: If you want extra sauce, add an extra splash of milk or broth before combining with the pasta. For a spicier kick, swap Monterey Jack for pepper jack cheese.

How to Make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Step by Step

I recommend reading through all the steps before you start – this Monterey chicken spaghetti comes together quickly and you will want everything prepped and ready to go. Total time is 40 minutes whether you go the skillet route or bake it.

Step 1 – Cook the pasta. Boil the spaghetti in well-salted water according to package directions, but pull it out 1 minute early for al dente texture. Drain and set aside. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Slightly undercooking prevents mushiness when the pasta gets tossed with the hot sauce.

Step 2 – Saute the vegetables. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and starting to turn golden at the edges. Do not rush this step – those slightly browned edges add a depth of flavor that makes the whole dish taste better.

Step 3 – Build the creamy sauce. Stir in the can of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk. Stir everything together until smooth. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat until the sauce is warmed through and silky. If it looks too thick, add a splash more milk or chicken broth.

Step 4 – Add the chicken and cheese. Mix in the shredded chicken and 1/2 cup of the Monterey Jack cheese. Stir and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the chicken is heated through. The sauce should look creamy and glossy at this point.

Step 5 – Combine with the spaghetti. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet and toss well to coat every strand in the sauce. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6 (Optional baking step) – Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top evenly with the remaining 1/2 cup Monterey Jack and 1/2 cup cheddar cheese. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and starting to turn golden. Note: if you skip the baking step, the total time is closer to 25 to 30 minutes. The bake adds that extra cheesy, slightly crispy topping everyone loves.

Step 7 – Serve. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm straight from the skillet or baking dish.

The Best Sides to Serve with Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

This creamy chicken pasta is rich and satisfying on its own, but the right sides make it a complete, balanced meal. Here are the best sides for Monterey chicken spaghetti:

Garlic Bread: The crispy, buttery texture is perfect for soaking up every bit of that creamy sauce. It is a classic pairing for a reason.

Simple Green Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the dish and adds freshness to the meal.

Steamed Broccoli: The mild, slightly earthy flavor of broccoli pairs beautifully with the cheesy sauce, and it adds color and nutrition to the plate.

Roasted Green Beans: Slightly crispy roasted green beans add a satisfying crunch and a pleasant contrast to the soft, creamy pasta.

Dinner Rolls: Soft, fluffy rolls are great for families with kids and make the meal feel extra hearty and comforting.

More Chicken Pasta Recipes to Try Next

If you loved this Monterey chicken spaghetti, there are plenty of other creamy, hearty chicken pasta dishes worth adding to the dinner lineup. The Best Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta uses the same shortcut of store-bought rotisserie chicken and comes together just as quickly on a busy night. For something a little richer and more indulgent, Creamy Brie Chicken Rigatoni delivers an incredibly silky sauce that pairs beautifully with a simple salad, just like this dish does.

Pair this spaghetti with a side of homemade Spaghetti Garlic Bread for the ultimate comfort food combo, or round out the meal with the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta on a night when the whole family wants something cheesy and satisfying. These recipes all share the same weeknight-friendly spirit and crowd-pleasing flavors.

Storing Your Leftover Monterey Chicken Spaghetti the Right Way

This dish stores and reheats like a dream, making it one of my favorite meals to prep ahead. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

When reheating Monterey chicken spaghetti, warm it in the microwave in 60-second intervals, stirring between each, or heat it covered in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 15 minutes. Always add a splash of milk or chicken broth before reheating to bring the creamy sauce back to life. Without it, the pasta can dry out and the cheese sauce loses its texture.

Pro tip: This recipe actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld together overnight. Make a double batch and thank yourself later.

Frequently Asked Questions About Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

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