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Ultimate Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe: Cheesy Baked Pasta Casserole

This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and creamy Monterey Jack cheese in a rich, savory sauce with tangy barbecue sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this baked casserole delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort and becomes an instant family favorite.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 lb spaghetti noodles
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, sauté the diced onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, sautéed vegetables, shredded chicken, barbecue sauce, sour cream, cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Top with the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
  7. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for smoother melting and creamier texture. Leftovers reheat beautifully and flavors develop more depth overnight, making this an excellent make-ahead meal.