This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a delicious, comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, savory spaghetti, and a creamy, cheesy Monterey Jack sauce. With the addition of bacon and fresh vegetables, this casserole-style dish is packed with flavor and perfect for family dinners or meal prep. It’s easy to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into this flavorful recipe!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Spaghetti:
- Spaghetti (12 oz)
- Chicken Breasts (2 large, cooked and shredded)
- Bacon (6 slices, cooked and crumbled)
- Monterey Jack Cheese (2 cups, shredded)
- Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened)
- Heavy Cream (1 cup)
- Chicken Broth (1/2 cup)
- Butter (2 tablespoons)
- Yellow Onion (1 medium, diced)
- Green Bell Pepper (1, diced)
- Red Bell Pepper (1, diced)
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon)
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers, and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
- Add Cream and Broth: To the skillet with the vegetables, add the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the Cream Cheese: Stir in the softened cream cheese, whisking until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Add the Cheese: Gradually stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Season with paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and the cheese sauce. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Transfer to a Baking Dish: Pour the chicken spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Duration Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 600
- Total Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 33g
- Sugars: 4g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
FAQs
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option. Simply shred the cooked chicken and add it to the dish.
2. Can I substitute Monterey Jack with another cheese?
Yes! You can substitute Monterey Jack with other cheeses like cheddar, Colby Jack, or pepper jack for a spicier kick.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Monterey Chicken Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
4. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen. Assemble the dish but do not bake. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
5. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! You can add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the sautéed vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition.
6. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta types like penne, fettuccine, or linguine.
7. Can I make this dish lighter?
To lighten the dish, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, reduced-fat cream cheese, and turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
8. How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, use pepper jack cheese and add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the vegetable sauté.
Conclusion
This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy Monterey Jack cheese, and savory vegetables. It’s easy to make and perfect for a hearty family meal or as leftovers. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this dish is sure to be a hit! Enjoy!