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Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Bake

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Bake

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free pasta)

Description

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Bake is a comforting, cheesy casserole combining tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners or casual family meals, this easy-to-make bake features a perfect balance of flavors and textures with a golden cheesy crust and subtle spicy notes from green chilies.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 8 oz spaghetti, cooked al dente
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 4 oz diced green chilies (canned)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings

  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
  • Breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter (for crunchy topping)
  • Additional shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Spaghetti: Boil spaghetti according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside, as it will finish cooking in the bake, preventing mushiness.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Use cooked, shredded or cubed chicken such as rotisserie, grilled, or leftover chicken breast for flavorful, tender bites.
  3. Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine sour cream, heavy cream or milk, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, green chilies, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended.
  4. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked spaghetti and chicken into the sauce mixture, folding gently to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce.
  5. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with remaining shredded cheddar cheese and optional breadcrumb topping if desired. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is melted and slightly browned.
  6. Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps it set and makes serving easier. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, and serve with optional sides like a green salad or garlic bread.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for better melting and creamier texture.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; it should be slightly firm before baking.
  • Layer flavors with seasonings and green chilies for a balanced taste.
  • Rest the baked dish before serving to allow it to set and slice cleanly.
  • For a crunchy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top before baking.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days or frozen up to 2 months.
  • Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm or microwave on medium power.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: Monterey Chicken, Spaghetti Bake, Chicken Casserole, Cheesy Pasta Bake, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Family Meal

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Find it online: https://dishesbyme.com/monterey-chicken-spaghetti-bake/