Description
Monterey chicken spaghetti brings classic comfort to dinner tables with bold southwestern flavors. Savory cheese, tender chicken, and zesty spices blend seamlessly for a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Sauce and Liquid Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk (or half-and-half)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Seasoning and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta foundation by immersing spaghetti in generously salted boiling water, cooking until perfectly tender. Drain thoroughly and set aside for later integration.
- Initiate sauce development by warming olive oil in a spacious skillet over moderate heat. Sauté diced onions until translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic, stirring rapidly to release aromatic essence without browning. Dust flour over the vegetable base, creating a roux and stirring consistently to prevent scorching.
- Gradually incorporate milk, whisking methodically to eliminate potential lumps. Allow the mixture to simmer and thicken, developing a luxurious consistency.
- Reduce heat and fold Monterey Jack and Parmesan cheeses into the sauce, creating a smooth, velvety texture. Season with smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper to elevate flavor complexity.
- Combine shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and prepared spaghetti with the cheese sauce, ensuring comprehensive coating of each ingredient.
- Transfer the harmonized mixture into a generously greased baking vessel, spreading evenly to promote uniform heating.
- Distribute remaining cheese across the surface, creating a tempting golden crown.
- Roast in a preheated 375°F oven, allowing the casserole to transform and cheese to melt luxuriously for approximately 20-25 minutes.
- Optional: Activate broiler for 1-2 minutes to achieve a crisp, caramelized cheese topping.
- Allow the dish to rest momentarily, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve while radiating warmth and enticing aroma.
Notes
- Optimize pasta texture by cooking spaghetti just until al dente to prevent mushiness when baking the casserole.
- Substitute whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti for a healthier or celiac-friendly version without compromising flavor.
- Control sauce consistency by gradually whisking milk and adjusting heat to prevent lumpy or separated sauce.
- Enhance protein options by swapping chicken with turkey, rotisserie chicken, or plant-based alternatives for dietary flexibility.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg