Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re looking for a dish that’s not just delicious but also super easy to whip up, let me introduce you to my *delicious Monterey chicken spaghetti recipe for easy dinners*! This recipe has quickly become a family favorite in my house. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—plus, it takes just about 35 minutes from start to finish! Trust me, you’ll love how simple it is to prepare and how satisfying it is to eat. So, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend, this dish is sure to impress everyone at your table!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making my *delicious Monterey chicken spaghetti recipe for easy dinners*! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 ounces spaghetti: Any type works, but I love using whole wheat for a bit of extra fiber.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: I usually grab a rotisserie chicken for convenience, but any cooked chicken will do!
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded: This melty cheese gives it that creamy goodness we crave.
- 1 cup salsa: Choose your favorite brand or spice level; it adds a nice kick!
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped: Fresh and vibrant, they really brighten up the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and giving it that rich flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A must-have for that aromatic touch!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always adjust to your liking for the best flavor.
Get these ingredients ready, and you’re just a few steps away from a mouthwatering meal!
How to Prepare the Delicious Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe for Easy Dinners
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Let’s kick things off by cooking the spaghetti! Grab a large pot and fill it with water—about 4-6 quarts should do. Add a generous pinch of salt (it really makes a difference!), then bring that water to a rolling boil. Once it’s bubbling, toss in the 8 ounces of spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. You want it al dente—firm to the bite because it will continue cooking in the oven later. When it’s ready, drain and set aside!
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
Now, while that pasta is cooking, let’s get the chicken mixture going! In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, add your 2 cups of shredded chicken, then pour in 1 cup of salsa along with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes until it’s heated through and smells absolutely heavenly. You’ll love how the flavors meld together!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Okay, it’s time to bring everything together! In that same skillet with the chicken mixture, add your drained spaghetti, 1/2 cup of chopped green onions, and half of the 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Give it a good mix—make sure everything is well combined and coated with that delicious sauce. This is where the magic happens, so don’t rush it!
Step 4: Bake
Now, let’s get this beauty ready for the oven! Transfer the spaghetti and chicken mixture into a baking dish (about 9×13 inches works great). Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top—because who can resist extra cheese, right? Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. When you pull it out, it’ll be golden and inviting, just begging to be served!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *delicious Monterey chicken spaghetti recipe for easy dinners* turns out perfectly, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t overcook the spaghetti; it should be al dente since it will bake further in the oven. Second, feel free to customize the salsa—if you like it spicy, go for a hot variety! Also, try adding some bell peppers or zucchini for an extra veggie boost. Lastly, let the dish cool for a few minutes after baking; it’ll help everything set up nicely and make serving easier. Trust me, these little tips make a big difference!
Variations
One of the best things about my *delicious Monterey chicken spaghetti recipe for easy dinners* is how versatile it is! You can easily mix things up to suit your taste. For a veggie twist, try adding diced bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms to the chicken mixture. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the Monterey Jack cheese for pepper jack for a spicy kick or go with a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. You can also use whole grain or gluten-free pasta if you prefer. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with leftovers from this *delicious Monterey chicken spaghetti recipe for easy dinners*, you’re in for a treat! To store, simply transfer any uneaten portions to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just scoop out what you need and reheat in the microwave or oven. For the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals until warm, stirring in between. If you prefer the oven, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes. Enjoy that cheesy goodness all over again!
Nutritional Information
It’s important to note that the nutritional information for my *delicious Monterey chicken spaghetti recipe for easy dinners* can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. The following values are estimates for one serving:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 7g)
- Carbohydrates: 54g (Fiber: 3g)
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 2g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
This dish is hearty and satisfying, making it perfect for those cozy dinner nights! Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my *delicious Monterey chicken spaghetti recipe for easy dinners*? I’ve got you covered!
Can I use different types of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to swap Monterey Jack for cheddar, pepper jack, or even a dairy-free option if you prefer.
What can I serve with this dish? I love pairing it with a simple green salad or some garlic bread. It complements the flavors perfectly!
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance, just cover it tightly and bake when you’re ready to serve.
Is this dish gluten-free? It can be! Just make sure to use gluten-free spaghetti to keep it safe for those with dietary restrictions.
What if I don’t have cooked chicken? No worries! You can easily cook some chicken breasts or thighs in advance or use canned chicken in a pinch. It’ll still taste great!
Drucken
Delicious Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe for Cozy Nights
- Gesamtzeit: 35 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
A delicious Monterey chicken spaghetti recipe perfect for easy dinners.
Zutaten
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Anweisungen
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add shredded chicken, salsa, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
- Stir and cook until heated through.
- Drain spaghetti and add to the skillet.
- Add green onions and half of the cheese, mix well.
- Transfer to a baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation.
- Customize with your favorite vegetables.
- Can substitute cheese with a dairy-free option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 25 minutes
- Kategorie: Dinner
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 serving
- Kalorien: 450
- Zucker: 2g
- Natrium: 600mg
- Fett: 15g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 7g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 54g
- Faser: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterin: 70mg
Keywords: delicious monterey chicken spaghetti recipe for easy dinners
