If you’ve ever wished for a cozy, cheesy dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish is the perfect marriage of tender chicken, creamy textures, and crunchy toppings all tossed with spaghetti, creating a comforting casserole that’s both family-friendly and irresistibly delicious. Easy to prepare and satisfying in every bite, this recipe is a true weeknight winner you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe lies in how simple and accessible the ingredients are, each one playing a vital role to craft that perfect balance of creaminess, flavor, and texture. Here’s what you’ll gather together before you dive into the kitchen:
- 12 ounces dried spaghetti: Choose a good quality pasta to give you that perfect al dente foundation for the casserole.
- 4 cups chopped cooked chicken: Leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here to keep things quick and easy.
- 1 (16-ounce) container sour cream: Adds creamy richness and a slight tang that brightens up the whole dish.
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans unsalted cream of chicken soup: The heart of this casserole’s creamy sauce without any overpowering saltiness.
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained: For a sneaky veggie boost and vibrant color throughout the casserole.
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided: Melts perfectly for gooey cheesiness inside and a golden crust on top.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Small but mighty, garlic wakes up every other ingredient with its fragrant warmth.
- 1 (6-ounce) can French’s French Fried Onions, divided: Adds that unbeatable crunchy topping that takes texture to the next level.
How to Make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and give a 9×13-inch baking dish a light spray with cooking spray. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and will come out cleanly after baking — trust me, it makes serving so much easier!
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. You don’t want it mushy because the noodles will continue to absorb flavors as it bakes. Once cooked, drain well and set aside so we can combine it with the creamy goodness.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, toss together your chopped cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, well-drained spinach, 1 cup of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, minced garlic, and half of your crispy French fried onions. Stir everything well so every bite is loaded with flavor and comfort.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Filling
Add the drained spaghetti to the chicken mixture and gently fold it all together. Make sure the pasta is covered with that creamy, cheesy sauce, but handle it lightly so the noodles don’t break apart. This step is all about loving those ingredients coming together!
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Now sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top, followed by the rest of the French’s French Fried Onions. This topping will bake to golden perfection and add a mouthwatering crunch.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your assembled casserole into the oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbling hot around the edges, the cheese has melted beautifully, and those onions turn a gorgeous golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen is basically a dinner invitation you can’t resist!
Step 7: Let It Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. This brief rest helps everything settle so the casserole cuts neatly and the flavors have time to meld. Then dive in and enjoy the cheesy, comforting goodness you just created!
How to Serve Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness to your casserole, balancing out the richness and making every serving look as lovely as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Serve your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to contrast the creamy casserole, or roasted seasonal veggies to add variety and wonderful textures to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in mini ramekins for a special dinner party or layer the casserole in a beautiful glass baking dish to show off its colorful layers, making your meal feel extra inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead dish. Store leftover portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, making weeknight dinners a breeze when reheated.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead of time, this casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble the dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating
Reheat portions in the microwave, covered, for 2 to 3 minutes or until warmed through. For whole casseroles, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes to get that crispy topping back to life.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Monterey Jack gives a lovely mild melt, you can swap it for cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend for different flavor profiles. Just keep the quantity similar for creaminess.
Is it necessary to use frozen spinach?
Frozen spinach works best because it’s easy to drain and mix into the casserole without adding excess water. If using fresh, be sure to cook and squeeze out all moisture before adding.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Omit the chicken and add extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini, plus a little more cheese for richness. Use vegetable soup instead of cream of chicken.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute that adds creaminess with a bit of tang, or you can use cream cheese thinned with a little milk.
How do I get the French fried onions crispy on top?
Make sure you sprinkle the onions on top toward the end of baking so they don’t burn and stay crispy. Baking uncovered allows them to turn golden and crunchy, creating the perfect finish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner filled with cheesy, comforting goodness, the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is calling your name. It’s truly a one-dish wonder that brings warmth and smiles to any table. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become one of your go-to favorites in no time!
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Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Monterey Chicken Spaghetti casserole is a cheesy, creamy, and flavorful dish perfect for family dinners. Tender cooked chicken and spinach blend harmoniously with sour cream and cream of chicken soup, layered with shredded Monterey Jack cheese and crispy French fried onions for a delightful texture contrast. Baked to bubbly perfection, this hearty casserole serves 8 and is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Main 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, drained spinach, 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, minced garlic, and half of the French Fried Onions. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Combine Pasta and Mixture: Add the cooked spaghetti into the chicken mixture and stir gently to combine. Once well mixed, pour everything into the prepared baking dish.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the pasta. Then, top the casserole with the rest of the French Fried Onions for added crunch and flavor.
- Bake Casserole: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the onions are golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the cheesy, crunchy goodness!
Notes
- Make sure to drain the thawed spinach thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Feel free to use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
- You can substitute Monterey Jack cheese with mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat sour cream and light cream of chicken soup.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
