Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe brings together chicken, bacon, spaghetti, and creamy cheese for an easy dinner win.
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling spaghetti
- Colander
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti broken in half
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast diced or shredded
- 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese shredded
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 10.5-ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients:
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup sautéed mushrooms
- ½ cup steamed broccoli florets
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil and cook the spaghetti until just al dente. You want the noodles to still have a little bite since they’ll finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside, letting the steam escape so the pasta doesn’t get gummy.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Bacon
- If your chicken isn’t already cooked, now’s the time to sauté or bake it until just done. Dice or shred it while it’s still warm. Cook the bacon until crisp, then crumble it into irresistible little pieces. Try not to snack too much—I know it’s hard.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. The sauce should be smooth, creamy, and lightly seasoned. Taste it—this is your chance to adjust.
Step 4: Combine the Good Stuff
- Add the cooked spaghetti, chicken, bacon, Monterey Jack cheese, and cheddar cheese to the bowl with the sauce. Gently fold everything together until every strand of pasta is coated. The mixture should look rich and generously cheesy.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
- Lightly grease your baking dish, then spread the mixture evenly inside. Use the back of your spoon to level it out, making sure the chicken and bacon are evenly distributed.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.