Ultimate Monterey Chicken Spaghetti – Cheesy Family Favorite

This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food that will become your family’s new favorite weeknight dinner. Packed with tender chicken, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and a savory sauce with just a hint of BBQ flavor, this dish delivers incredible flavor in every bite. Perfect for busy nights when you want something both delicious and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the shredded chicken, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through.

Step 4: Reduce heat to low and stir in BBQ sauce, sour cream, and chicken broth. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine the cooked spaghetti with the chicken mixture in a large baking dish. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 6: Top with shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, spreading evenly over the surface.

Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.

Step 8: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Expert Tips

For the best results, use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting. You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables like mushrooms or spinach. If you prefer a spicier dish, add a dash of cayenne pepper or use a spicy BBQ sauce. This dish pairs wonderfully with a savory garlic Parmesan roasted green beans side dish.

Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave. For a creamier texture, you can add an extra 1/4 cup of sour cream to the sauce mixture. If you’re looking for more cheesy pasta inspiration, try our cheesy one pot chicken Alfredo pasta for another easy weeknight dinner option.

FAQ

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dish through step 6, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking and add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

What can I substitute for BBQ sauce?
If you prefer, you can use tomato sauce with a teaspoon of brown sugar and a dash of smoked paprika for a similar flavor profile without the BBQ sauce.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well with this recipe. For more delicious pasta variations, check out our ultimate homemade chicken pasta recipe.

Ultimate Monterey Chicken Spaghetti – Cheesy Family Favorite

This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food that will become your family’s new favorite weeknight dinner. Packed with tender chicken, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and a savory sauce with just a hint of BBQ flavor, this dish delivers incredible flavor in every bite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 520

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Method

 

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the shredded chicken, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
4. Reduce heat to low and stir in BBQ sauce, sour cream, and chicken broth. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Combine the cooked spaghetti with the chicken mixture in a large baking dish. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
6. Top with shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, spreading evenly over the surface.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
8. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

For the best results, use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting. You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables like mushrooms or spinach. If you prefer a spicier dish, add a dash of cayenne pepper or use a spicy BBQ sauce.