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Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: The Ultimate Cheesy Casserole Bake

This Monterey chicken spaghetti recipe combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this cheesy pasta bake comes together in under an hour and delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your oven.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and red bell pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, 1½ cups of Monterey Jack cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  4. Add the cooked spaghetti, chicken, and sautéed vegetables to the sauce mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese evenly over the top.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown. For extra browning, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
  7. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time when cooking from cold. Customize the veggies: Add mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for extra nutrition and flavor. Perfect pasta: Cook spaghetti just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.