Description
Monterey chicken spaghetti brings comfort and zest to classic pasta nights with its creamy, cheesy embrace. Packed with tender chicken and a blend of savory ingredients, this dish offers a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 1 lb spaghetti pasta
- 8 oz monterey jack cheese
Sauce and Binding Ingredients:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil, then cook spaghetti until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, slice chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté diced onions until translucent and slightly golden.
- Add seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook thoroughly, ensuring no pink remains and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth until smooth and well-combined.
- Combine cooked chicken, prepared sauce, and drained spaghetti in the baking dish, stirring gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle monterey jack cheese across the top of the mixture, creating an even layer.
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with chopped parsley, then evenly distribute over the cheese layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and breadcrumb topping turns golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-7 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and dish to set.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F to prevent foodborne illness and guarantee tender meat.
- Rinse spaghetti with cold water after draining to stop cooking process and prevent mushy texture, keeping pasta perfectly al dente.
- Customize breadcrumb topping by using gluten-free alternatives like crushed cornflakes or almond meal for those with dietary restrictions.
- Swap monterey jack cheese with dairy-free options like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese to make the dish suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan diners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg