This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate cheesy baked comfort food with a bold twist. Inspired by the flavors of Monterey Chicken—barbecue sauce, melty cheese, bacon, and chicken—this pasta dish combines everything into a hearty, oven-baked casserole your whole family will devour.
It’s rich, creamy, and smoky with layers of spaghetti, tender chicken, BBQ flavor, and plenty of gooey Monterey Jack cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or potlucks, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Optional: fresh parsley or extra BBQ drizzle for topping
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add cream cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir constantly until smooth and creamy, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add Chicken and BBQ
- Stir in shredded chicken and ¾ cup of the BBQ sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix until chicken is well-coated in the creamy BBQ mixture.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- In a large mixing bowl or pot, combine cooked spaghetti with the chicken mixture and 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese. Stir well to coat the pasta.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining Monterey Jack, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and drizzle with the remaining ¼ cup BBQ sauce.
Step 5: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden on top.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions or chopped parsley. Serve hot!
Variation:
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños, crushed red pepper, or use spicy BBQ sauce.
- Vegetable Add-In: Mix in sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or corn.
- No Cream Cheese: Use a can of cream of chicken soup instead of cream cheese and broth.
- Low-Carb: Serve the Monterey chicken mixture over spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles.
COOKING Note:
Be sure to cook the pasta only to al dente since it will continue to soften in the oven. For extra depth of flavor, use grilled or rotisserie chicken.
Serving Suggestions:
- With a crisp salad – like Caesar or ranch salad.
- With garlic bread or cheesy toast for dipping into the creamy sauce.
- With roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a balanced plate.
- As leftovers – this dish reheats well and tastes even better the next day.
Tips:
- You can cook the bacon ahead of time or use store-bought bacon bits for convenience.
- To make it saucier, increase the broth or add ½ cup of heavy cream.
- Monterey Jack melts beautifully, but feel free to swap or mix in pepper jack or mozzarella.
- Use pre-cooked chicken to save time—rotisserie is perfect!
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: ~45 minutes
🍽️ Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 6 servings):
- Calories: ~540
- Protein: ~30g
- Carbohydrates: ~38g
- Fat: ~30g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugar: ~7g
- Sodium: ~750mg
Exact values vary depending on cheese, chicken, and BBQ sauce used.
❓FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
Can I freeze it?
- Absolutely. Freeze the unbaked casserole (wrapped well) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?
- Use your favorite! Sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy—they all work well depending on your flavor preference.
Can I use another pasta shape?
- Yes! Penne, rotini, or linguine also work great in this recipe.
Can I use shredded rotisserie chicken?
- Definitely. Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
Conclusion:
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is the kind of creamy, comforting, flavor-packed meal that brings people back for seconds. With the smoky BBQ sauce, tender chicken, crispy bacon, and loads of melty cheese—it’s everything you love about a BBQ chicken dinner baked into a pasta casserole.
Easy to make, perfect for leftovers, and loved by all ages, this dish deserves a regular spot in your dinner rotation.