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Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Delicious Monterey Chicken Spaghetti for Busy Weeknights

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a delightful one-dish meal blending spaghetti and smoky barbecue chicken, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Spaghetti whole wheat or gluten-free options work great
For the Chicken Mixture
  • 2 cups Cooked Chicken (Shredded) leftover or rotisserie chicken saves time
  • 14.5 ounces Diced Tomatoes canned or fresh
  • 1 cup Barbecue Sauce a thicker sauce clings better to the pasta
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder fresh minced garlic is a fantastic substitute
  • to taste Salt and Pepper adjust to suit your taste preferences
For Topping
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese or cheddar for a sharper punch
  • 2 tablespoons Green Onions (Chopped) regular onions can substitute
  • to taste Fresh Parsley (For Garnish) recommended for a finishing flourish

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • 9x13-inch Baking Dish
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Colander
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8–10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti in a colander and set it aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with diced tomatoes, barbecue sauce, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly coated and blended together.
  3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread the drained spaghetti evenly across the base.
  4. Pour the chicken and barbecue sauce mixture over the layer of spaghetti in the baking dish and spread it evenly.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese generously over the mixture.
  6. Place your assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Marinate shredded chicken in barbecue sauce a few hours ahead for more flavor. Ensure even distribution of chicken mixture over spaghetti for best results.

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