Description
Monterey chicken spaghetti brings comfort and zest to classic Italian-American cuisine. Creamy, cheesy layers blend with tender chicken, creating a hearty meal that delights hungry families seeking delicious simplicity.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 lbs chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 0.5 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
Vegetables and Dairy:
- 1 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 0.5 cup diced onions
- 0.5 cup diced bell peppers
Pasta and Seasonings:
- 1 lb spaghetti pasta
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 0.25 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a large baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Grill or pan-sear chicken until fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, milk, and chicken broth, whisking until smooth.
- Sauté onions and bell peppers in butter until softened and slightly translucent.
- Add diced chicken, crumbled bacon, sautéed vegetables, and cooked spaghetti to the soup mixture, gently tossing to coat evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Sprinkle monterey jack and cheddar cheeses over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Swap chicken for plant-based alternatives like tofu or jackfruit to create a vegetarian version that maintains the dish’s rich, creamy texture.
- Use gluten-free pasta and cream of chicken soup substitute for celiac or gluten-sensitive diners without compromising flavor complexity.
- Reduce sodium by selecting low-sodium broth and using fresh herbs instead of additional salt for enhanced taste profile.
- Prepare components ahead of time to streamline cooking process, allowing chicken, bacon, and vegetables to be prepped earlier in the day for quick assembly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 63 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg