Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Introduction

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti has become one of my family’s all-time favorite dishes. When I first made this cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole, I didn’t expect it to be such a hit, but it was an instant success. The combination of tender chicken, creamy soup, spinach, and gooey Monterey Jack cheese baked into a comforting casserole, topped with a crunchy layer of French Fried Onions, is pure magic. The kids devoured it, and my husband couldn’t stop going back for seconds. The best part is that it’s easy to make, and you can prepare it ahead of time, making it the perfect dish for busy weeknights or a weekend gathering. This casserole is hearty, flavorful, and just the right mix of creamy and crunchy. If you’re looking for a delicious and filling dinner that everyone will love, this is the one to try.

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

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.
2. Prepare the Pasta: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
3. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, both cans of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, thawed and drained spinach, 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese, and minced garlic. Stir everything together until well combined. You can use rotisserie chicken or any leftover chicken to save time on this step.
4. Combine Pasta and Mixture: Gently fold the cooked spaghetti into the chicken mixture, ensuring that the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure a uniform layer.
6. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the casserole. Then, top the casserole with the remaining half of the French Fried Onions, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
7. Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the onions are golden brown and crispy on top.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The crispy onions and melted cheese on top make for a delightful and comforting presentation.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 8 servings
• Calories per Serving: 460-480 calories (depending on portion size)
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

How to Serve

• As a Main Dish: This casserole makes a filling and hearty main dish that is perfect for dinner. Serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
• With a Side of Bread: Pair this cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole with a crusty baguette or garlic bread for extra comfort.
• For a Potluck: This casserole is ideal for potlucks or family gatherings. It’s easy to make in large batches and serves a crowd.
• As Leftovers: This casserole holds up well in the fridge and makes for delicious leftovers the next day.

Additional Tips

1. Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quick and easy option, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. This saves time and adds extra flavor to the dish.
2. Adjust the Veggies: If you’re not a fan of spinach, you can substitute it with other veggies like broccoli or bell peppers for a different flavor and texture.
3. Customize the Toppings: Add a little more cheese on top if you love a cheesier casserole, or try adding breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
4. Make It Spicy: For a bit of heat, add a diced jalapeño or a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the casserole mixture.
5. Prepare Ahead: You can assemble this casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. This is great for meal prep or preparing for a busy night.

Recipe Variations

• Low-Fat Version: Use low-fat sour cream and a reduced-fat version of cream of chicken soup to make this casserole lighter without sacrificing too much flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Swap the regular spaghetti for gluten-free pasta and ensure the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with a combination of mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian option that still retains all the creamy and cheesy goodness.
• Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Spaghetti: Add 1-2 cups of steamed broccoli to the mixture for a delicious, veggie-packed casserole.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Fresh Salad: Pair this rich, cheesy casserole with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for balance.
• As Part of a Larger Meal: Serve the casserole alongside other comfort foods like mashed potatoes or a fresh vegetable side dish.
• With a Tangy Sauce: Serve with a drizzle of ranch dressing or your favorite hot sauce to add some tangy flavor to the cheesy goodness.
• For a More Filling Meal: Add some roasted chicken or shredded beef to the casserole for an extra protein boost.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: This casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• Freezing: To freeze, assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Instead, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
• Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave or heat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until hot.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   Yes, you can use cheddar, mozzarella, or any other cheese you prefer. A blend of cheeses will work great, too.
2. Can I make this casserole without spinach?
   Yes, you can omit the spinach or replace it with another vegetable, such as broccoli or mushrooms.
3. Can I use regular cream of chicken soup instead of unsalted?
   Yes, you can use regular cream of chicken soup, but be mindful of the extra sodium content.
4. Can I make this casserole in advance?
   Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it.
5. Can I freeze this casserole?
   Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just be sure to wrap it tightly and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes of cooking time.
6. Can I use other pasta besides spaghetti?
   Yes, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni for a fun twist.
7. Can I make this recipe spicier?
   Yes, add some chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the casserole mixture for extra heat.
8. What type of pasta should I use?
   Spaghetti works great, but you can also use linguine, fettuccine, or any long pasta you prefer.
9. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
   Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free.
10. What can I use instead of French Fried Onions?
    You can use crushed potato chips, breadcrumbs, or even crushed croutons as a topping.

Conclusion

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. This cheesy, creamy casserole is packed with tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and a delicious crunchy topping that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress at a family gathering, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, highly customizable, and perfect for feeding a group. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your new go-to casserole recipe!

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