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Monterey Chicken Spaghetti - The Ultimate Cheesy Baked Pasta Recipe

This incredible Monterey Chicken Spaghetti combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce with smoky BBQ notes. It's a comforting pasta bake that comes together easily but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, making it the perfect weeknight family dinner.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 485
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and red bell pepper, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Reduce heat to low and add cream cheese, sour cream, and BBQ sauce to the skillet. Stir until smooth and well combined. Gradually add chicken broth while stirring to create a creamy sauce.
  4. Add the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese, and all of the cheddar cheese to the skillet. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
  5. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with remaining Monterey Jack cheese and sprinkle with smoked paprika. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
  6. Let the spaghetti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Cook spaghetti al dente since it continues cooking in oven. Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting. Rotisserie chicken works well for convenience. Can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated before baking.