Monterey Chicken Spaghetti
This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti recipe is a creamy, cheesy delight loaded with juicy chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, bacon, and ranch flavor. It's an easy-to-make, comforting dish that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a family favorite.
Equipment
- Oven
- oven-safe skillet
- Large pot
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, plus more for topping
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- ¼ cup chopped green onions, for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sear chicken in the skillet for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken from the skillet and let it cool slightly. Shred or dice the chicken.
- While the chicken is baking, cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain well.
- In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, and ranch dressing mix. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Add the cooked spaghetti and shredded or diced chicken to the creamy sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese and the crumbled bacon.
- Pour the chicken spaghetti mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle with additional Monterey Jack cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly (optional).
- Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Don't overcook the chicken; use a meat thermometer. Soften the cream cheese well to avoid a lumpy sauce. Crispy bacon adds great flavor. For storage, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave, skillet, or oven, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if needed. For variations, consider adding sautéed vegetables, swapping the cheese, using different proteins, adding diced tomatoes with green chilies for a spicy kick, or using heavy cream for a creamier version.