Lorenzo Devereaux
When you’re craving comfort food with a bold twist, Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is the dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. This creamy, cheesy pasta combines tender chicken, melty Monterey Jack cheese, and a touch of smokiness from crispy bacon, all wrapped around perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s a hearty weeknight dinner that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Imagine forkfuls of spaghetti coated in a luscious cream sauce with juicy bites of chicken, topped with gooey cheese and a sprinkling of fresh parsley. The flavors balance beautifully—savory chicken, creamy sauce, a hint of tang from Rotel tomatoes, and that irresistible bacon crunch. Whether it’s for a family gathering or a casual dinner, this dish is the kind of comfort food that makes the table go silent until the plates are empty.
What Makes Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Irresistible?
The secret lies in its combination of textures and flavors. The creamy sauce clings to the spaghetti perfectly, while the shredded Monterey Jack cheese provides a rich, melty bite. Adding diced tomatoes with green chilies gives the dish a subtle tang and a touch of heat, making every forkful exciting.
Ingredients for the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti
- Spaghetti – The base of this dish, perfectly absorbing the creamy sauce.
- Cooked chicken – Shredded rotisserie chicken or pan-seared breast for rich, tender protein.
- Monterey Jack cheese – Smooth and melty, giving the casserole its signature cheesy finish.
- Cream of chicken soup – Creates the creamy base for the sauce.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel) – Adds tanginess and mild spice.
- Bacon – Crispy bits for smoky, savory depth.
- Onion and garlic – Build aromatic flavor.
- Chicken broth – Thins the sauce and boosts flavor.
- Parsley or green onions – Fresh garnish for color and brightness.
How To Make the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Base
In a large skillet or saucepan, cook the chopped onion and garlic in a little butter or olive oil until softened and fragrant. Stir in the cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and chicken broth. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce starts to come together.
Step 3: Add the Chicken and Cheese
Fold the cooked, shredded chicken into the sauce. Stir in most of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, reserving a handful for topping later. The sauce should be creamy and rich.
Step 4: Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and gently toss until every strand is coated in the creamy mixture. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese on top along with the crispy crumbled bacon. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, then serve warm.
Serving and Storing Monterey Chicken Spaghetti
This casserole is best served hot, right out of the oven, when the cheese is gooey, and the bacon is crisp. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of chicken broth or milk to keep it creamy.
For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
What to Serve With Monterey Chicken Spaghetti?
1. Garlic Bread
The ultimate sidekick to soak up the creamy sauce.
2. Roasted Broccoli
A healthy, slightly charred vegetable that balances the richness.
3. Caesar Salad
Crisp and refreshing with its tangy dressing.
4. Sautéed Green Beans
Add a light, buttery crunch to the plate.
5. Side of Mashed Potatoes
If you love comfort food on comfort food, this pairing is unbeatable.
6. Classic Coleslaw
A cool, tangy contrast to the cheesy pasta.
7. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Sweet, smoky flavors that complement the casserole beautifully.
Want More Cheesy Pasta Ideas?
If Monterey Chicken Spaghetti has become your new favorite, you’ll love these other cozy, family-friendly meals:
- Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
- Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
- Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
- Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta
- One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta
These pasta favorites are just as hearty and satisfying, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend comfort meals.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Pin this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti recipe to your dinner board so you can revisit it whenever the craving hits.
I’d love to hear how you made it your own—did you add extra bacon, swap in spicy cheese, or toss in some veggies?
For more delicious and creative recipes, explore ChefAlchemy Recipes on Pinterest and find your next go-to comfort dish!
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti
Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- 9×13 Baking Dish
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded and divided
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel), drained
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 0.5 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic in butter or oil until soft.
- Stir in cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with chilies, and chicken broth. Simmer 3–5 minutes.
- Add shredded chicken and most of the cheese to the sauce, stirring until creamy.
- Combine with cooked spaghetti and transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheese and crumbled bacon. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with parsley or green onions before serving.