If you’re craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that brings together bold flavors and comforting textures, Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with flavorful barbecue sauce, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and perfectly cooked spaghetti to create a mouthwatering dinner that’s both easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious. Whether a weeknight treat or a special family dinner, Monterey Chicken Spaghetti delivers on taste and satisfaction with every forkful.

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but crucial to achieving the delicious balance of smoky, cheesy, and savory notes that make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti so memorable. Each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture.

8 ounces spaghetti: Provides the tender pasta base that soaks up all the wonderful sauces and seasonings.
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound): The protein powerhouse of the dish, bringing juiciness and heartiness.
1 cup barbecue sauce: Adds a tangy, smoky sweetness that ties the whole dish together beautifully.
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts into a creamy, gooey topping that creates irresistible cheesiness.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sear the chicken perfectly, locking in moisture and flavor.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Imparts a subtle, aromatic depth that enhances the chicken’s taste.
1 teaspoon onion powder: A savory addition that rounds out the seasoning mix.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and highlighting all the flavors.
Optional fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness on top.

How to Make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. This ensures the pasta holds its shape and texture well when baked. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and set it aside to prepare the other components.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, take the chicken breasts and sprinkle them evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning mix infuses the chicken with savory notes that perfectly complement the barbecue sauce later.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook them for 6 to 7 minutes on each side until they are thoroughly cooked and no longer pink inside. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes afterward to keep it juicy and tender before slicing.

Step 4: Combine Spaghetti with Barbecue Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, toss the drained spaghetti with half of the barbecue sauce until every strand is coated with that tangy, smoky flavor. This step starts building the signature taste of Monterey Chicken Spaghetti.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the spaghetti mixed with barbecue sauce into a baking dish, then layer the sliced chicken breasts over the top. Drizzle the remaining barbecue sauce over the chicken and finish by sprinkling a generous layer of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. This layering ensures every bite has a great balance of pasta, chicken, sauce, and cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the assembled dish in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. This step not only melds the flavors together but also gives the dish a delightfully gooey, comforting texture.

Step 7: Final Touches

Once out of the oven, let the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti cool for a few minutes so it sets up nicely for serving. Optionally, sprinkle fresh parsley on top to add a fresh touch both in color and flavor before serving.

How to Serve Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of color and a subtle herbal note which brightens the rich, cheesy flavors in the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti magnificently. Feel free to also add a little cracked black pepper or even some sliced green onions for an extra layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with fresh, crisp sides like a mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli. Their lightness balances out the richness of the cheesy, saucy spaghetti and chicken, making your meal feel complete and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Monterey Chicken Spaghetti in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation or as a layered casserole to keep things rustic and comforting. You can also top it with jalapeño slices or a handful of crispy fried onions for a fun twist that adds texture and a little kick.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Monterey Chicken Spaghetti can be stored tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to use an airtight container to keep the dish fresh and the flavors intact. This makes for a convenient, ready-to-eat meal the next day or two.

Freezing

This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. To freeze, place the cooled Monterey Chicken Spaghetti in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Label it with the date, and when you want a quick meal, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For reheating, cover the dish loosely with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, which usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual servings covered to avoid drying out, stirring halfway to ensure even warmth and maintain that creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Monterey Jack?

Absolutely! While Monterey Jack cheese offers a creamy melt and mild flavor, you can substitute it with mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses depending on your preference. Each will add a slightly different flavor but still deliver that delicious cheesiness.

Is Monterey Chicken Spaghetti spicy?

The classic recipe is not spicy, but it does have a tangy and smoky barbecue flavor. If you love some heat, you can easily add spices like cayenne pepper or include jalapeño slices to the dish to give it a bit of a kick.

Can I make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free spaghetti or your favorite gluten-free pasta alternative. The other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish easy to adapt to dietary needs.

What can I use instead of barbecue sauce?

If you want a different flavor profile, try swapping the barbecue sauce for marinara for an Italian twist, or a creamy Alfredo sauce for a richer, indulgent version. However, the barbecue sauce is what really defines the classic Monterey Chicken Spaghetti taste.

Can I prepare Monterey Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time?

Definitely. You can cook the chicken and spaghetti, combine the ingredients, and assemble the dish a few hours ahead before baking it. This makes it super convenient for busy weeknights or entertaining guests without all the last-minute fuss.

Final Thoughts

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a wonderful dish to add to your meal rotation because it’s both comforting and full of vibrant flavors that everyone loves. Its easy prep and impressive taste make it a fantastic recipe to share with loved ones or to treat yourself after a busy day. Grab your ingredients and give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new favorite go-to dinner!

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 5 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a flavorful and comforting casserole dish combining tender chicken breasts, perfectly cooked spaghetti, tangy barbecue sauce, and melted Monterey Jack cheese. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and offers a delicious twist on traditional spaghetti with a smoky, cheesy finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti

8 ounces spaghetti

Chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce and Cheese

1 cup barbecue sauce
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Garnish (optional)

Fresh parsley

Instructions

Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
Season Chicken: While the spaghetti cooks, season the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove from heat and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes.
Slice Chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts into thin strips for layering.
Combine Spaghetti and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with half of the barbecue sauce until it is evenly coated.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
Assemble Dish: In a baking dish, spread the sauced spaghetti mixture evenly. Layer the sliced chicken breasts on top. Drizzle the remaining barbecue sauce over the chicken and sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the entire dish.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti!

Notes

Use any barbecue sauce variety you prefer – sweet, smoky, or spicy – to customize the flavor.
For extra creaminess, add a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream to the spaghetti before baking.
Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
Fresh parsley is optional but adds a nice color and fresh flavor to the finished dish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 32 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: Monterey Chicken Spaghetti, chicken spaghetti casserole, barbecue chicken pasta, baked spaghetti recipe, easy dinner recipe