If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that combines creamy textures with a satisfying crunch, you’re going to love this dish. Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: A Cheesy Delight with a Crunchy Topping Recipe is the perfect marriage of tender pasta, savory chicken, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and crispy fried onions on top. It’s a warm, hearty casserole that feels like a hug in every bite and makes any mealtime extra special without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward but packs a punch in flavor. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the creamy, cheesy, and crunchy layers that make this dish irresistible.
- 12 ounces dried spaghetti: The perfect base that holds onto the creamy sauce and chicken beautifully.
- 4 cups chopped cooked chicken: Adds hearty protein and keeps the dish filling and satisfying.
- 1 (16-ounce) container sour cream: Brings tangy creaminess that balances the cheese and soup.
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans unsalted cream of chicken soup: Provides rich and velvety flavor without overpowering the dish.
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained: Sneaks in some greens that add color and subtle earthiness.
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided: Melts into gooey goodness with a mild, buttery taste.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Lends a punch of aromatic warmth for depth and savory richness.
- 1 (6-ounce) can French’s French Fried Onions, divided: Creates that golden, crispy topping everyone adores on each bite.
How to Make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: A Cheesy Delight with a Crunchy Topping Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure your casserole slides out easily when it’s done. This little prep step makes cleanup a breeze later.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Next, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. You want it to still have a little bite since it’ll finish cooking in the oven. Drain well and set aside — this is your comforting noodle base ready to soak up all those tasty flavors.
Step 3: Combine the Creamy Mixture
In a large bowl, mix together your chopped cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, drained spinach, 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, minced garlic, and half of your can of French Fried Onions. This creamy blend is where everything comes together — tangy, cheesy, and savory all at once!
Step 4: Mix in the Spaghetti
Now stir the cooked spaghetti gently into the chicken mixture until the pasta is evenly coated and the ingredients are well combined. This ensures every forkful will have a perfect balance of pasta, chicken, and that luscious sauce.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Pour your mixed ingredients into the prepared baking dish, smoothing everything out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cup of Monterey Jack cheese over the top to create a bubbly, cheesy crust as it bakes. Finally, add the rest of the French Fried Onions on top for that signature crunchy and golden finish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the fried onions have turned a beautiful golden brown. This baking step locks in all those incredible flavors and textures, making each bite so comforting and satisfying.
How to Serve Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: A Cheesy Delight with a Crunchy Topping Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top right before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor. A light dusting of cracked black pepper can also enhance the savory notes in this dish without overpowering the rich creaminess.
Side Dishes
This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides. Consider serving it with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or some steamed broccoli for added crunch and nutrition. Garlic bread is also a favorite companion, soaking up every last bit of cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small cast-iron skillets or rustic ramekins to make it feel extra special and cozy. You can even top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra fried onions right at the table to impress your guests with both flavor and presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Monterey Chicken Spaghetti stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop even more, so it’s a perfect make-ahead meal when you want something easy yet delicious later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. If freezing before, assemble the dish but don’t bake it yet—wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, warm single servings in the microwave or oven until the dish is heated through and the topping regains its crispness. If reheating the whole casserole, cover with foil to keep moisture in and remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking for a crunchy top.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just chop fresh spinach and sauté it lightly before adding it to the mixture to remove excess moisture. This keeps your casserole from getting too watery while adding vibrant color and fresh flavor.
What if I don’t have Monterey Jack cheese?
Cheddar or a mild mozzarella work well as substitutes. Monterey Jack has a buttery meltiness, so try to choose a cheese that melts smoothly and complements the creamy texture of the dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the cooked chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms or roasted bell peppers, and use a veggie cream soup instead of cream of chicken. This keeps the comforting qualities while making it meat-free.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Definitely. Use gluten-free spaghetti and ensure your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free or homemade. Also, check that the fried onions don’t contain gluten, or omit them and use crushed gluten-free crackers for the crunchy topping.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild and kid-friendly, focusing on creamy, cheesy flavors without any heat. However, you can add a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture if you like a little kick!
Final Thoughts
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: A Cheesy Delight with a Crunchy Topping Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a home-cooked hug on a plate. Easy to prepare, full of comforting flavors, and with that amazing golden onion crunch on top, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe box. Give it a try, and you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again when you want a cozy, delicious meal that everyone will love.
Print
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: A Cheesy Delight with a Crunchy Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy baked pasta casserole featuring tender cooked chicken, spinach, and a crunchy topping of French fried onions. This comforting dish combines tender noodles with a rich blend of sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and Monterey Jack cheese, all baked to bubbly perfection and crowned with crispy onions for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces dried spaghetti
Chicken & Vegetables
- 4 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Dairy & Soup
- 1 (16-ounce) container sour cream
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans unsalted cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
Toppings
- 1 (6-ounce) can French’s French Fried Onions, divided
Other
- Cooking spray, for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the chopped cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, drained spinach, 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese, minced garlic, and half the can of French fried onions until the mixture is well blended.
- Mix Pasta and Chicken Mixture: Stir the cooked spaghetti into the chicken mixture until evenly combined, ensuring the noodles are well coated with the creamy sauce.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the combined spaghetti and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add Cheese and Onion Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. Then, add the remaining French fried onions, distributing them to cover the cheese layer for a crunchy topping.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbly and the onion topping turns golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it set for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Ensure spinach is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Use cooked chicken from leftovers or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture.
- To make ahead, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
