If you’re in search of a dish that combines comfort, flavor, and a touch of indulgence, Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is your answer. This cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole with a crunchy topping is perfect for those cozy nights in, a family dinner, or even a weekend potluck with friends. The rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and delightful crunch of French Fried Onions create a meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking to enjoy a hearty meal, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Inspired by the classic flavors of creamy chicken spaghetti, this dish takes it up a notch with Monterey Jack cheese and a crispy topping that adds texture and flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—quick to prep, yet deliciously satisfying. Let’s dive into how to make this irresistible casserole!
Why You’ll Love This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
When it comes to weeknight dinners, you want something that’s easy to prepare, but also flavorful and filling. This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole delivers all that and more. With a creamy base, a perfect balance of savory chicken and vegetables, and the addition of melted cheese, it strikes a harmony of textures that make every bite a delight. Plus, the crunchy fried onions on top create an irresistible crispy layer that will have your family asking for seconds.
It’s a comfort food that’s ideal for busy families, meal prep, or any time you need something to please a crowd. The best part? This dish can be assembled ahead of time, allowing you to focus on other things while it bakes in the oven.
The Key Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this cheesy and delicious casserole, you won’t need any fancy ingredients. In fact, many of the components are pantry staples that you might already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Spaghetti
A classic pasta base for this casserole. Spaghetti is the perfect choice for holding all the cheesy goodness and creamy sauce together. You can also substitute with another pasta of your choice, but spaghetti works wonderfully here.
2. Chicken
This recipe calls for 4 cups of cooked chicken, which can be either rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken, or freshly cooked chicken breasts. You can use boneless skinless chicken breasts, thighs, or any cut you prefer. For added convenience, shredded or cubed chicken will work great.
3. Cream of Chicken Soup
The cream of chicken soup serves as the creamy base for this casserole, binding everything together. It adds a comforting, rich flavor that makes this dish truly indulgent. For a lighter version, you can opt for low-fat or reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup.
4. Sour Cream
The sour cream adds a tangy richness that balances the flavors of the cream of chicken soup, adding an extra layer of creaminess that’s hard to resist.
5. Frozen Spinach
Adding frozen spinach not only enhances the nutritional value of this dish but also gives it a lovely pop of green color. Just make sure to thaw and drain the spinach well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
6. Monterey Jack Cheese
The Monterey Jack cheese is the star of this dish. It’s mild, creamy, and melts beautifully. You’ll need two cups of shredded cheese, divided between the casserole mixture and the topping.
7. Garlic
A couple of minced garlic cloves will infuse the dish with aromatic flavor, enhancing the overall taste without overpowering the other ingredients.
8. French Fried Onions
The French Fried Onions add that golden, crispy topping that transforms this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. The onions not only give the casserole an irresistible crunch but also add a savory flavor contrast that complements the creamy pasta base.
Now that you know the key ingredients, let’s dive into how to make this delicious Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole.
Step-by-Step Directions to Make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti
1. Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This will help prevent the casserole from sticking to the pan and make for an easier cleanup.
2. Cook the Spaghetti
Cook 12 ounces of dried spaghetti according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Casserole Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
- 4 cups of chopped cooked chicken (whether shredded, cubed, or from a rotisserie chicken)
- 1 (16-ounce) container of sour cream
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans of unsalted cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10-ounce) package of frozen spinach, thawed and well-drained
- 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- ½ can of French Fried Onions
Stir everything together until fully combined. The creamy soup, tangy sour cream, and gooey cheese create a luscious base that coats the chicken and spinach perfectly.
4. Combine Pasta and Mixture
Add the cooked, drained spaghetti into the bowl with the creamy chicken mixture. Stir gently, making sure the pasta is thoroughly coated with the sauce and ingredients.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the spaghetti and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, ensuring that the mixture is well distributed.
6. Add Toppings
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Then, take the remaining French Fried Onions and scatter them over the cheese. The onions will form a crispy, golden topping as the casserole bakes, adding both flavor and texture.
7. Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and golden, and the onions are crispy and brown.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Once your casserole is done baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice into hearty portions and enjoy the comforting flavors of this easy-to-make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti casserole. Whether served with a simple salad or some garlic bread, it’s a meal that will leave everyone satisfied.
Tips for the Perfect Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be made ahead of time! Simply prepare it up to the point of baking, cover it with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop it into the oven and cook as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
- Frozen Chicken: To save time, you can use pre-cooked frozen chicken, which can be easily shredded after thawing.
- Add Vegetables: Want to sneak in more vegetables? You can add other veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas to the casserole mix. It’s a great way to boost the nutritional value of the dish.
- Spicy Kick: If you love a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture for an extra zing.
- Cheese Variations: While Monterey Jack cheese is the star of this dish, you can also experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
Why You Should Make This Recipe Today
This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is not just another pasta dish. It’s a flavorful, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The creamy base, tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and crispy topping come together in harmony to create a dish that your family will love. Plus, with a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cook time of about 1 hour, this casserole is a great choice for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or when you have friends over for dinner.
Try this recipe once, and it’s sure to become a regular on your meal plan. Comfort food has never tasted so good! Whether you serve it for dinner, bring it to a potluck, or enjoy leftovers the next day, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole with a crisp green salad or some freshly baked garlic bread to round out the meal. It also makes for fantastic leftovers—simply store any extra portions in the fridge for an easy reheat the next day!
Don’t forget to share your results with friends and family—this dish is perfect for spreading joy through food!
Enjoyed this recipe? Pin it for later and share it with others who love hearty, flavorful casseroles. Let us know in the comments if you tried this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, and share your own tips for making it even more delicious!
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Monterey Chicken Spaghetti
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
If you’re in search of a dish that combines comfort, flavor, and a touch of indulgence, Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is your answer. This cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole with a crunchy topping is perfect for cozy nights, family dinners, or potlucks with friends. The rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and delightful crunch of French Fried Onions make every bite a delight. A simple yet satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
12 ounces dried spaghetti
4 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 (16-ounce) container sour cream
2 (10.5-ounce) cans unsalted cream of chicken soup
1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (6-ounce) can French’s French Fried Onions, divided
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, drained spinach, 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese, minced garlic, and half a can of French Fried Onions. Stir well.
- Stir the cooked spaghetti into the chicken mixture. Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese over the pasta. Top with the rest of the French Fried Onions.
- Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the onions are golden brown.
Notes
- This casserole can be made ahead of time! Prepare it up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, cook as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
- For a lighter version, you can use low-fat or reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup.
- Feel free to add more vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, to the casserole.
- For added heat, try adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes