Monterey chicken spaghetti is a creamy pasta dish. It mixes chicken, spaghetti, and cheese sauce with bacon and tomatoes. The dish is baked for a warm, comforting meal.
Craving a cheesy, hearty dinner? Monterey chicken spaghetti is your answer. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for any night!
This casserole has tender chicken and tangy BBQ sauce. It’s topped with crispy bacon and green onions. Great for family dinners or potlucks.
What Is Monterey Chicken Spaghetti?
Monterey chicken spaghetti is a comforting casserole that combines juicy chicken, al dente spaghetti, and a creamy cheese sauce, topped with tangy ingredients like tomatoes and bacon.
Inspired by the classic Monterey chicken dish, it’s a family-friendly meal that’s rich, satisfying, and easy to prepare. Think of it as a cheesy pasta bake with a BBQ twist!
I first made this for a potluck, and it was gone in minutes—everyone loved the smoky bacon and melty cheese combo. It’s now my go-to for cozy weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love Monterey Chicken Spaghetti
This dish is a winner because it:
- Combines creamy, cheesy goodness with bold, tangy flavors
- Is easy to prep for busy weeknights or gatherings
- Feeds a crowd with minimal effort
- Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand
Ingredients for Monterey Chicken Spaghetti
For 6–8 servings, you’ll need:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: ½ tsp red chili flakes for a spicy kick
Pro Tip: Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother melt—pre-shredded cheese can be grainy due to anti-caking agents.
Choosing the Best Ingredients
Chicken
- Boneless breasts are lean and easy to dice.
- Thighs work for a juicier option but may need slight trimming.
- Cut into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.
Pasta
- Spaghetti is classic, but penne or rotini hold sauce well too.
- Cook to al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
- Rinse briefly to prevent sticking if prepping ahead.
Toppings
- Fresh tomatoes add brightness; canned work in a pinch.
- Crispy bacon brings smoky crunch—cook it fresh for best flavor.
- Use green onions for a fresh, colorful garnish.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti
Follow these steps for a creamy, cheesy Monterey chicken spaghetti casserole.
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook spaghetti until al dente (about 8–10 minutes, per package).
- Drain and set aside.
Why It Works: Al dente pasta holds its texture during baking.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet—cook in batches for a nice sear.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until soft (2–3 minutes).
- Stir in cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and BBQ sauce.
- Add ½ cup each of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese; stir until melted.
I once rushed the sauce and got lumps—stir slowly over low heat for a smooth texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, chicken, and cheese sauce.
- Fold in diced tomatoes and half the crumbled bacon.
- Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 5: Bake and Top
- Sprinkle remaining Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Top with remaining bacon and green onions before serving.
Alternative: For extra crunch, add a layer of crushed crackers or panko before baking.
Step 6: Serve Hot
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Monterey chicken spaghetti turns out perfect, watch out for these pitfalls:
- Overcooking the pasta: Al dente is key; mushy noodles ruin the texture.
- Using cold ingredients: Let sour cream and soup warm slightly for a smoother sauce.
- Skipping the rest: Cutting too soon makes the casserole fall apart.
- Overbaking: Check at 20 minutes to avoid drying out the dish.
Expert Tips for the Best Monterey Chicken Spaghetti
- Add a smoky twist: Use smoked cheddar or extra BBQ sauce for deeper flavor.
- Make it creamy: Swap sour cream for cream cheese for an ultra-rich sauce.
- Prep ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate; bake when ready.
- Boost veggies: Add spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
I brought this to a family dinner, and even my picky nephew asked for seconds! The BBQ sauce and bacon combo was a game-changer.
Creative Variations to Try
Switch things up with these fun ideas:
- Spicy Monterey: Add diced jalapeños or extra chili flakes for heat.
- Veggie-Loaded: Mix in zucchini, bell peppers, or corn for color and crunch.
- Buffalo Twist: Swap BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce and use blue cheese crumbles.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and soup for dietary needs.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Monterey chicken spaghetti is a hearty main dish, but these pairings make it shine:
- Sides:
- Caesar salad with crunchy croutons
- Garlic bread for soaking up sauce
- Roasted green beans with almonds
- Drinks:
- Iced tea for a refreshing contrast
- Light red wine like Pinot Noir
- Sparkling lemonade for kids
- Presentation: Serve in a colorful casserole dish with extra green onions sprinkled on top.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes, covered, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked or baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating or baking.
FAQs
1. What is Monterey spaghetti?
- Creamy casserole with spaghetti, chicken, and cheese sauce
- Includes bacon, tomatoes, and BBQ flavor
- Baked for a comforting, family-friendly dinner
2. What is in Monterey chicken?
- Grilled chicken breast with BBQ sauce
- Topped with Monterey Jack cheese and bacon
- Often includes diced tomatoes
3. What goes into chicken spaghetti?
- Cooked spaghetti and shredded chicken
- Creamy sauce with cheese or cream soup
- Extras like onions, garlic, bacon, or tomatoes
4. Is Monterey chicken healthy?
- Can be healthy with lean chicken and light cheese
- Bacon and creamy sauces add calories
- Best enjoyed in moderation
5. Which chicken is better for weight loss?
- Skinless chicken breast is ideal
- Low in fat, high in protein
- Better than thighs for calorie control
Final Thoughts
Monterey chicken spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food, blending creamy, cheesy pasta with bold flavors of chicken, bacon, and BBQ sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy family dinners.
Give this recipe a try, and check out our easy casserole recipes for more crowd-pleasers. What’s your favorite way to spice up pasta? Share in the comments!