Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: The Ultimate Creamy & Cheesy Recipe

Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine with this incredible Monterey Chicken Spaghetti. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender chicken, smoky bacon, and perfectly cooked spaghetti in a rich, creamy, and spicy cheese sauce. It’s a flavor explosion that tastes like it came from a restaurant but is surprisingly easy to make right in your own kitchen. If you’re searching for a family-pleasing meal that’s packed with flavor and comes together in under an hour, you’ve found your new go-to recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Here’s why this recipe will become a staple in your meal plan.

• Packed with Flavor: The combination of smoky bacon, spicy Rotel tomatoes, and two types of cheese creates a complex and irresistible sauce.
• Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this entire meal is on the table in about 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Creamy & Comforting: The sauce, enriched with cream cheese and Monterey Jack, is luxuriously creamy and coats every strand of spaghetti.
• Customizable Heat: You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your family’s preferences by choosing mild or hot Rotel.

What is Monterey Chicken Spaghetti?

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a creative twist on classic baked spaghetti, infused with the bold flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine. The “Monterey” in its name comes from the generous use of Monterey Jack cheese, which is known for its mild flavor and superior melting qualities. The dish typically features a creamy sauce made with chicken, bacon, onions, and canned diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel), all tossed together with spaghetti for a satisfying and hearty meal.

Essential Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create its signature flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Spaghetti: The classic pasta choice, but you can substitute with fettuccine or penne.
• Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed for quick cooking.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky, salty depth that is essential to the dish.
• Onion & Garlic: The aromatic foundation for our delicious sauce.
• Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chiles: This is the secret ingredient for flavor and a little kick.
• Chicken Broth: Forms the base of the sauce.
• Cream Cheese: Makes the sauce incredibly rich and creamy.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: The star of the show! It melts beautifully for a smooth, cheesy finish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharper, complementary flavor to the cheese blend.
• Seasonings: Cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper round out the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Monterey Chicken Spaghetti.

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook Bacon and Chicken: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the drippings in the skillet. Add the cubed chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside with the bacon.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Build the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, undrained can of Rotel, cumin, and chili powder. Bring to a simmer. Cut the cream cheese into cubes and whisk it into the sauce until smooth.
5. Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese until completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Do not let the sauce boil.
6. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet. Add the drained spaghetti and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.

Tips for Recipe Success

Unlock the full potential of this dish with a few expert tips.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Cook the spaghetti just until al dente (firm to the bite). It will continue to cook slightly when you toss it with the hot sauce, and this prevents it from becoming mushy.

Shred Your Own Cheese

For the creamiest, smoothest sauce, buy blocks of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese and shred them yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated with anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.

Control the Spice Level

The heat in this dish comes from the Rotel. If you prefer a milder flavor, use the “Mild” version. For a spicier kick, choose “Hot” or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Delicious Variations to Try

While this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to make it your own.

Make it a Baked Casserole

After combining the pasta with the sauce, transfer everything to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with an extra cup of shredded cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden. This is a great option if you enjoy a crispy cheese topping, similar to this Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese.

Add More Veggies

Boost the nutritional value by adding sautéed vegetables. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach would all be excellent additions. Stir them in when you add the chicken back to the sauce.

Protein Swaps

Not a fan of chicken? Try using cooked, crumbled Italian sausage or ground turkey. For a truly decadent twist, consider making a version with steak, inspired by this delicious Cajun Steak Pasta recipe.

What to Serve with Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

This is a hearty, all-in-one meal, but a few simple sides can round it out perfectly. A crisp green salad, like a Cool Cucumber Ranch Salad, provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta. You can also never go wrong with garlic bread or steamed green beans.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

More Delicious Dinner Recipes

If you enjoyed this dish, you’ll love exploring other flavorful and easy dinner ideas. Try our fan-favorite Philly Cheesesteak Pasta or the incredibly comforting Boursin Chicken.

We Value Your Feedback!

We hope you love this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti recipe as much as we do! If you make it, please leave a comment and a rating below to let us know how it turned out. Your feedback helps us and other readers. Don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest!

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

FL Recipes

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: The Ultimate Creamy & Cheesy Recipe

This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate weeknight comfort food, featuring tender chicken, bacon, and pasta tossed in a spicy, creamy Monterey Jack cheese sauce. An easy and flavor-packed dinner the whole family will love.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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• 1 lb spaghetti
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into 1-inch cubes
• 6 slices bacon chopped
• 1 medium onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 10 oz can Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chiles undrained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 4 oz cream cheese softened and cubed
• 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese shredded
• 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• 1 Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
• 1 Large Pot

Method

 

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon, leaving drippings. Add the cubed chicken and cook until browned. Remove the chicken and set aside with the bacon.
3. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, undrained Rotel, cumin, and chili powder. Bring to a simmer. Whisk in the cubed cream cheese until the sauce is smooth.
5. Reduce heat to low. Gradually stir in the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese until completely melted. Do not boil.
6. Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the sauce. Add the drained spaghetti and toss until fully coated. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 650kcalProtein: 38gFat: 35gFiber: 4g

Notes

Tip 1: Shred your own cheese from a block for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
Tip 2: Cook the pasta al dente as it will continue to cook when combined with the hot sauce.

Keyword cheesy pasta,chicken spaghetti,monterey chicken

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