Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed twist on traditional spaghetti dishes. With tender shredded chicken, smoky bacon, sweet barbecue sauce, and loads of melty Monterey Jack cheese, all baked into one comforting casserole, this dish is a guaranteed hit for weeknight dinners or potlucks. It’s hearty, delicious, and super easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average spaghetti bake. Monterey Chicken Spaghetti blends classic comfort food with bold Tex-Mex flavors—think BBQ chicken meets cheesy pasta. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover chicken, comes together quickly, and feeds a hungry crowd. With its creamy texture, savory bacon, and sweet, tangy barbecue notes, this dish is both familiar and excitingly different.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Spaghetti pasta
• Cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
• Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Milk
• Garlic
• Onion
• Cooked bacon (crumbled)
• Barbecue sauce
• Olive oil or butter
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Green onions or parsley (optional, for garnish)

directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter and sauté garlic and onion until fragrant and soft.
4. Lower heat and stir in cream cheese, sour cream, milk, and barbecue sauce. Stir until smooth and heated through.
5. Add shredded chicken and cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese and crumbled bacon evenly over the top.
7. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish with green onions or parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Spicy kick: Add chopped jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack.
• Use rotisserie chicken: A quick and flavorful shortcut to save time.
• Swap the pasta: Penne, rotini, or linguine all work well.
• Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken and bacon, and use sautéed mushrooms or black beans instead.
• Extra creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or an extra scoop of sour cream for more richness.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or in the microwave in 60-second intervals until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

What type of chicken works best?

Shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or even leftover baked chicken all work perfectly.

Can I substitute cheddar cheese?

Yes, cheddar adds a nice sharpness, but Monterey Jack melts creamier.

Is barbecue sauce necessary?

It adds a sweet and tangy layer of flavor, but you can reduce or replace it with a spicy or smoky sauce if preferred.

Can I make this dish in a skillet instead of baking?

Yes, once everything is combined and heated through in the skillet, you can serve it right away without baking.

What vegetables can I add?

Diced bell peppers, spinach, or corn are great additions for extra texture and color.

Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?

Absolutely, turkey bacon works well as a lighter alternative.

Is this dish spicy?

Not by default, but you can add spice with hot sauce, chili flakes, or spicy BBQ sauce.

How do I keep the pasta from drying out when reheating?

Add a splash of milk or water before reheating to keep the pasta moist.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, just use a larger baking dish or split it between two pans.

Conclusion

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with smoky, savory goodness. It’s the perfect blend of barbecue flavor and pasta indulgence, making it a standout option for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prepping. With easy prep, simple ingredients, and crowd-pleasing taste, this casserole is sure to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

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