Imagine twirling hot spaghetti coated in a silky, golden cheese sauce with tender pieces of juicy chicken and bright green onions, finished with a little crunch from breadcrumbs. That is what this dish is all about, and the moment you lift the lid the aroma will make the whole kitchen feel like home.
This is the recipe to make when you want something satisfying without spending all day in the kitchen, weeknight after weeknight. One pan, simple ingredients, and you have a complete dinner that everyone will ask for again.
SaveI first made this for a chilly Tuesday when I needed cheering up, and the best part was how quick it was while still feeling like a special treat. You are going to love how easy it is to make dinner feel indulgent.
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the spaghetti, and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water, then drain and set the spaghetti aside.
- Brown the chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, then add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour and spices
Sprinkle the flour, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the onions and garlic. Stir constantly for about a minute to coat everything and remove the raw flour taste.
- Whisk in the liquids
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, half and half, and cream of chicken soup until smooth. Keep whisking as you bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the sauce
Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it seems too thick, whisk in a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Combine everything
Return the browned chicken to the skillet, add the drained spaghetti, and toss gently to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Stir in most of the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, leaving a small handful for topping.
- Bake and finish
Transfer the spaghetti mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and add bacon and crushed tortilla chips if using. Broil for 2 to 4 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot
Let the dish rest for a few minutes, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve immediately while creamy and hot.
Substitutions and variations
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add rich flavor.
- Swap Monterey Jack with pepper jack for a little heat.
- Use whole milk instead of half and half for a lighter version.
- Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for variety.
- Make it gluten free by using gluten free spaghetti and flour.
Chloe's tips
- If the sauce looks too thick after adding the pasta water, whisk in a little more broth or milk.
- For extra flavor, season the chicken lightly with garlic powder and onion powder before browning.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the sauce loosens up and is easier to twirl.
- Make it a one pan meal by adding a bag of frozen mixed vegetables with the broth.
How to store it
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Serving suggestions
This dish is best served straight from the oven, family style at the table.
- Ladle the hot spaghetti into shallow bowls
- Top with extra green onions and a little extra cheese if desired
- Pair with a simple side salad and crusty bread
Frequently asked questions
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely, just shred or chop it and add it in with the chicken pieces or instead of them for even more flavor and less prep.
Why is my sauce too thin?
Let it simmer a bit longer to reduce, or whisk in a small mixture of butter and flour to help it thicken quickly.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, assemble and freeze without the crunchy toppings. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot.
What pasta works best?
Spaghetti is classic, but you can also use rotini or fusilli to hold more sauce.
Let's get cooking!
This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is the kind of easy, crowd pleasing dinner you will want to make again and again, so go ahead, give it a try tonight and enjoy that cozy, cheesy goodness.
