Craving comfort food with a twist? This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is everything you want in a pasta dish—tender chicken, a creamy, cheesy sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti all tossed together in one delicious skillet. This recipe is a Tex-Mex inspired comfort classic that brings bold flavors to your dinner table without much effort.
What makes Monterey Chicken Spaghetti special is the use of Monterey Jack cheese—mild, melty, and ultra-smooth—paired with juicy chicken and a touch of spice from tomatoes or Rotel. It’s been making waves as a viral weeknight recipe, thanks to its quick prep, hearty flavor, and universal appeal.
Why You’ll Love This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Creamy and Cheesy: Monterey Jack cheese gives it a rich, smooth texture that’s hard to resist.
- Family-Friendly: Mild flavors with an optional kick—everyone at the table will love it.
- One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal cleanup with this all-in-one comfort meal.
- Customizable: Great base recipe to adjust with your favorite add-ins like bacon, mushrooms, or spinach.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Monterey Chicken Spaghetti
- Spaghetti: The classic pasta base that soaks up all the creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Cooked Chicken: Use shredded or sliced chicken breast for lean protein and hearty texture.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds a rich, savory base for the sauce.
- Sour Cream: Gives the dish its signature creaminess with a slight tang.
- Milk: Thins the sauce just enough to coat every strand of spaghetti.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully, offering mild flavor and a gooey finish.
- Diced Tomatoes or Rotel: Adds juiciness and a slight tang or heat depending on your choice.
- Onion and Garlic: Build a flavor foundation with aromatic depth.
- Butter & Olive Oil: For sautéing and enriching the overall taste.
- Green Onions or Parsley: Fresh herbs to finish and brighten up the plate.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti
- Cook the Spaghetti: Boil in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil. Add chopped onions and cook until soft, then stir in minced garlic.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk. Simmer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Chicken & Cheese: Fold in the cooked chicken and most of the shredded Monterey Jack. Stir until melted and well blended.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the spaghetti and diced tomatoes (or Rotel). Toss to coat everything evenly.
- Finish & Garnish: Sprinkle remaining cheese on top, cover for a few minutes until melty. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.
💡 Expert Tip: Want an even cheesier top? Pop the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Make it Spicy: Use hot Rotel or add diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Add Veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers make tasty additions.
- Use Leftovers: Rotisserie chicken works great and cuts down prep time.
- Swap the Cheese: Try Pepper Jack or a Mexican blend for bolder flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spaghetti and soup alternatives.
How to Store & Reheat
- Store: Let the pasta cool, then transfer to an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce, or reheat gently on the stove over low heat.
- Freeze: You can freeze this dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of hearty, flavor-packed pasta dishes like this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti, you’ll definitely want to try these next! Our Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta is a savory, cheesy dinner that comes together fast and delivers bold, comforting flavors in every bite. For something lighter but equally delicious, don’t miss our Tahini Sauce—a creamy, nutty condiment perfect for drizzling over grilled meats, roasted veggies, or pasta bowls.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! It’s a great time-saver and adds extra flavor.
What’s the best cheese for Monterey Chicken Spaghetti?
Monterey Jack is ideal for its meltability, but feel free to mix in cheddar or mozzarella for variety.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it and store it in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not by default. You can control the spice level with your choice of diced tomatoes or Rotel.
This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor—a recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. Whether it’s for a quick family dinner or a cozy weekend treat, it checks all the boxes.
👉 Try it tonight and let us know what you think in the comments! Don’t forget to share the recipe with your friends and follow us for more easy dinner ideas.
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cooked chicken breasts shredded or sliced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes or Rotel
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika optional
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk. Stir until smooth.
- Add cooked chicken and 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until cheese is melted.
- Mix in the cooked spaghetti and diced tomatoes. Toss to combine.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top, cover the skillet, and let it melt for 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley or green onions before serving.