Description
This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a cheesy, comforting casserole packed with tender chicken, creamy soup, spinach, and a crunchy topping of French Fried Onions. Baked to perfection with melted Monterey Jack cheese, this dish is a family favorite that’s sure to satisfy. It’s an easy-to-make, hearty meal that’s perfect for dinner, potlucks, or a cozy family gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Mix the Ingredients: 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: 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
- Spinach Variation: If you prefer, you can substitute the spinach with another vegetable like broccoli or bell peppers for a different flavor profile.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This is great for meal prep or when you have guests coming over.
- Topping Variations: For added flavor, you can use crushed crackers or breadcrumbs in place of French Fried Onions. You could even add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
- Cheese Substitution: If you prefer a sharper flavor, try using sharp cheddar or mozzarella instead of Monterey Jack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25mg
- Cholesterol: 60 mg