Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

If you’re looking for a meal that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is just what you need! It’s an easy, baked casserole that combines tender spaghetti, juicy chicken, and creamy sauce with spinach and crispy onions for that perfect balance of textures. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that’s great for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or even potlucks.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy & Cheesy: The combination of sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and Monterey Jack cheese makes this casserole irresistibly creamy and cheesy.
• Easy to Customize: Swap out ingredients like veggies or cheese to make it your own!
• Family-Friendly: With chicken, pasta, and a crispy onion topping, this dish is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 12 ounces dried spaghetti: Cooked to al dente for the perfect texture.
• 4 cups chopped cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken works well here.
• 1 (16-ounce) container sour cream: Adds creaminess and richness to the dish.
• 2 (10.5-ounce) cans unsalted cream of chicken soup: These give the dish its creamy, comforting base.
• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained: A great way to add some greens to the casserole.
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided: Provides that melty, gooey cheese factor.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: For a punch of savory flavor.
• 1 (6-ounce) can French’s French Fried Onions, divided: Adds a crispy, crunchy topping that’s simply irresistible.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

2. Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the 12 ounces of dried spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

3. Mix the Chicken Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the 4 cups of chopped cooked chicken, 2 cans of cream of chicken soup, 16 ounces of sour cream, thawed and drained spinach, 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, 2 minced garlic cloves, and half a can of French Fried Onions. Stir until everything is well mixed.

4. Combine with the Pasta

Stir the cooked spaghetti into the chicken mixture until it’s fully coated with the creamy sauce. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.

5. Assemble the Casserole

Pour the pasta and chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese over the top, followed by the rest of the French Fried Onions.

6. Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the onions on top are golden brown.

Tips for the Best Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

• Veggie Swaps: Don’t like spinach? No problem! Swap it out for broccoli, peas, or even bell peppers for a pop of color and extra flavor.
• Cheese Options: If you’re out of Monterey Jack cheese, you can use cheddar or mozzarella for a slightly different, but equally delicious, flavor profile.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 48 hours before baking, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before popping it in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

To complete your meal, serve this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti with:

• Side Salad: A light, fresh salad with a vinaigrette helps balance out the richness of the casserole.
• Garlic Bread: Because you can never have too much garlic! Crispy, buttery garlic bread is the perfect side to soak up all the creamy goodness.
• Roasted Veggies: For something a bit heartier, roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or zucchini make a great pairing.

Reheating Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to reheat this casserole to keep it just as delicious as when it first came out of the oven:

• Oven Method: Reheat the casserole in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until it’s warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent the onions from burning.
• Microwave: For individual portions, microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until hot. Be sure to cover the dish so the topping stays crispy.

Customization Ideas

• Spicy Kick: Love a little heat? Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture for a spicy twist.
• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an added layer of flavor and brightness.
• Extra Protein: You can add cooked bacon bits or even toss in some sautéed shrimp for a surf-and-turf experience.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~520 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 25g

Final Thoughts

This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate in comfort food. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, melty cheese, and crunchy onion topping, it’s a dish that will make everyone at the dinner table happy. Perfect for meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just indulging in a hearty, home-cooked meal, this casserole is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. 🧀🍗🍝

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes | Total Time: 55-65 minutes | Servings: 8