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
Scale
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.
