Dinner

Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake with Brown Sugar Icing Recipe

ByAndria Russo November 30, 2025November 30, 2025

Introduction

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting and creamy pasta dish that combines tender chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a cheesy sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

The image shows a close-up of a dish with a white plate filled with spaghetti pasta mixed with shredded light brown chicken pieces and small chunks of red tomatoes. The pasta is coated with a light sauce and sprinkled with small green parsley leaves and tiny flakes of black pepper, giving the dish texture and color contrast. The strands of spaghetti are tangled and layered evenly on the plate, with chicken pieces scattered throughout. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 2 chicken breasts)
8 oz spaghetti (or any pasta of your choice)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup milk (or chicken broth for a lighter version)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 3: Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and slightly browned.
Step 4: Stir in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and heated through.
Step 5: Mix in the shredded cooked chicken and half of the Monterey Jack cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and the chicken is warmed.
Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce.
Step 7 (Optional): Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 8 (Optional): Top with the remaining Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, then bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 9: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter sauce, substitute chicken broth for the milk.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes for a subtle kick.
Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
Swap the bell pepper for diced zucchini or spinach for extra greens.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. If you baked the dish, cover it with foil when reheating to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate filled with spaghetti mixed with shredded chicken pieces on top. The pasta is coated in a light sauce with visible bits of chopped red tomatoes and green herbs scattered throughout. The chicken pieces are golden and tender-looking, sitting on the pasta layers that have a smooth and slightly glossy texture. The dish looks fresh with a mix of warm yellow, red, and green colors, set against a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use any pasta you like, such as penne, rotini, or fettuccine. Adjust cooking times as needed based on the pasta chosen.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, Monterey Chicken Spaghetti freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.