Enjoy this creamy and cheesy Monterey Spaghetti! This comforting pasta dish is loaded with flavors from Monterey Jack cheese, tender chicken, and a touch of spice, making it perfect for a family dinner.
📋 Ingredients:
- 🍝 12 oz spaghetti
- 🍗 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 🧀 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 🧀 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 🥛 1 cup sour cream
- 🥛 1 cup milk
- 🌶️ 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 🌶️ 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional, for extra heat)
- 🧅 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 🧄 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
- 🌿 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 🌿 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 🧂 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 🧈 2 tablespoons butter
- 🌿 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
📝 Directions:
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Stir in the cooked chicken, diced tomatoes and green chilies, and diced green chilies (if using).
- Add the sour cream, milk, salt, black pepper, ground cumin, and chili powder. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Add the Cheese:
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine with Spaghetti:
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the spaghetti mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Monterey Jack cheese and 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings
Calories: 450 kcal per serving
💡 Notes:
- You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time.
- For a vegetarian version, you can omit the chicken and add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat in the oven before serving.