Monterey Chicken Spaghetti (Printable Version)

A comforting blend of chicken, spaghetti, and creamy cheese with savory veggies for a satisfying meal.

# Everything You’ll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
02 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
03 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Pasta

05 - 8 ounces spaghetti
06 - Salted water for boiling

→ Sauce

07 - 2 tablespoons butter
08 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
09 - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
10 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
11 - 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
12 - ½ cup sour cream
13 - 1 cup whole milk
14 - 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
15 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
16 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
17 - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Topping

18 - ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
19 - 2 green onions, sliced
20 - Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

# Steps to Cook:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 - If using pre-cooked chicken, toss with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. If using raw chicken, season and cook in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, then shred or chop.
03 - Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic; cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
04 - Add cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk to the skillet. Whisk to combine until smooth. Stir in Monterey Jack cheese, dried oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook over low heat until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly.
05 - Add cooked chicken and drained spaghetti to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
06 - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining Monterey Jack cheese. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbling and golden on top.
07 - Allow to rest 5 minutes after baking. Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley before serving.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Cook pasta al dente, as it will continue cooking during baking.
02 - Using rotisserie chicken saves preparation time.
03 - For added richness, substitute or combine with cheddar or mozzarella cheese.
04 - Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to introduce heat.

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