Monterey Chicken Spaghetti
This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food casserole — loaded with tender chicken, smoky bacon, gooey Monterey Jack cheese, and a rich, creamy sauce tossed with spaghetti. It’s hearty, flavorful, and guaranteed to be a family favorite. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings!
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 6 slices cooked bacon chopped
- 1 10 oz can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chiles)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional for topping
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil optional for pasta
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine cream cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and Rotel. Stir until smooth and heated through.
- Add Chicken & Bacon: Fold in shredded chicken and chopped bacon. Cook for 2–3 minutes to combine flavors.
- Mix with Pasta: Add cooked spaghetti and Monterey Jack cheese. Toss until everything is well coated and cheese is melted.
- Bake (Optional): For a baked finish, transfer to a casserole dish, top with cheddar, and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes until bubbly.
Notes
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti – Helpful Tips
Prep Your Chicken for Maximum Flavor
• Use grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken—just make sure it’s well-seasoned and shredded or chopped.
• For extra depth, toss the chicken in a touch of barbecue sauce or smoked paprika before mixing into the pasta. Pasta Tips
• Cook spaghetti just to al dente—it’ll continue to soften in the sauce and stay tender, not mushy.
• Reserve a little pasta water to thin the sauce if needed without losing flavor. Create Creamy, Cheesy Goodness
• Mix in Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a blend of melty cheeses.
• Stir in a little cream cheese, sour cream, or a splash of heavy cream for that rich, luscious texture. Flavor Boosters
• Add sauteed onions, garlic, or bell peppers to deepen the flavor.
• A dash of hot sauce, smoked paprika, or a sprinkle of ranch seasoning really plays up that Monterey flavor profile. Bake It to Perfection
• Once assembled, transfer to a casserole dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) until bubbly and golden brown—about 20 minutes.
• Let it rest 5 minutes before serving so the sauce sets and flavors meld. Perfect Sides & Toppings
• Serve with garlic bread, a crisp salad, or steamed broccoli.
• Top with chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, or a drizzle of BBQ sauce for a fun twist. Make-Ahead Friendly
• Assemble the whole dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
• To freeze, wrap well and store unbaked for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Tasty Variations to Try
• Spicy Kick: Stir in diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap spaghetti with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
• Veggie-Loaded: Mix in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or peas for extra nutrients.
• Buffalo Style: Add buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles for a fiery twist.
• Use grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken—just make sure it’s well-seasoned and shredded or chopped.
• For extra depth, toss the chicken in a touch of barbecue sauce or smoked paprika before mixing into the pasta. Pasta Tips
• Cook spaghetti just to al dente—it’ll continue to soften in the sauce and stay tender, not mushy.
• Reserve a little pasta water to thin the sauce if needed without losing flavor. Create Creamy, Cheesy Goodness
• Mix in Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a blend of melty cheeses.
• Stir in a little cream cheese, sour cream, or a splash of heavy cream for that rich, luscious texture. Flavor Boosters
• Add sauteed onions, garlic, or bell peppers to deepen the flavor.
• A dash of hot sauce, smoked paprika, or a sprinkle of ranch seasoning really plays up that Monterey flavor profile. Bake It to Perfection
• Once assembled, transfer to a casserole dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) until bubbly and golden brown—about 20 minutes.
• Let it rest 5 minutes before serving so the sauce sets and flavors meld. Perfect Sides & Toppings
• Serve with garlic bread, a crisp salad, or steamed broccoli.
• Top with chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, or a drizzle of BBQ sauce for a fun twist. Make-Ahead Friendly
• Assemble the whole dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
• To freeze, wrap well and store unbaked for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Tasty Variations to Try
• Spicy Kick: Stir in diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap spaghetti with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
• Veggie-Loaded: Mix in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or peas for extra nutrients.
• Buffalo Style: Add buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles for a fiery twist.