If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food that brings creamy, cheesy, and hearty flavors into one irresistible dish, the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. This casserole blends tender chicken, gooey Monterey Jack cheese, and a luscious sour cream and cream of chicken soup base, all tossed with spaghetti and a touch of spinach for a pop of color and nutrition. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping a family-friendly meal that everyone will rave about, this baked delight offers a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this casserole lies in its beautifully simple ingredients, each bringing something unique to the party. From the creamy base to the crispy fried onions topping, every component works together to create a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish.
- 12 oz dried spaghetti: The classic pasta base that soaks up all the creamy goodness while providing a satisfying bite.
- 4 cups chopped cooked chicken: Tender protein that adds substance and richness to the casserole.
- 1 (16-oz) container sour cream: Brings creaminess and tang that balances the dish perfectly.
- 2 (10.5-oz) cans Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds depth of flavor and a silky texture, the glue of the casserole.
- 1 (10-oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained: Provides a subtle earthiness and beautiful green color without overwhelming the dish.
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided: One of the stars, melting beautifully for that gooey, luscious finish.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses a lovely aromatic kick that enhances every other ingredient.
- 1 (6-oz) can French’s French Fried Onions, divided: Adds irresistible crunch and golden color to the top of the casserole.
How to Make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and lightly spraying a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. This prep helps ensure even cooking and easy cleanup later.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Boil the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the casserole too soggy.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients Together
In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with chopped cooked chicken, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, thawed spinach, minced garlic, and 1 cup of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Stir everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring every strand of spaghetti is coated in that creamy mixture.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Pan
Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. This will be the base layer for your comforting casserole.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Toppings
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. Then, top with half of the French fried onions to start building that signature crunchy topping.
Step 6: Bake and Finish
Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden around the edges. During the last 5 minutes, sprinkle the remaining French fried onions on top to crisp up perfectly while the casserole finishes baking.
How to Serve Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a bright, fresh pop to contrast the rich, creamy casserole. For a little extra zing, a light dusting of smoked paprika can elevate the flavor and color beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or a tangy coleslaw to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty rolls also make perfect accompaniments to soak up every last bit of creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins for a charming presentation. Layering the casserole with different cheeses or adding diced tomatoes before baking can also add color and flavor variety if you want to mix things up for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, making it easy to enjoy this comforting dish later without any loss of flavor.
Freezing
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe freezes wonderfully! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, label, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350ºF until warmed through, around 15-20 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel to keep the casserole moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh spinach can be used, but you’ll want to wilt and drain it well first to avoid adding too much moisture to the casserole.
Is there a way to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes. Just swap out the regular spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta, and be sure to check that the soup and fried onions are gluten-free versions.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Definitely. Turkey or even cooked sausage can work well here if you want to change things up or use what you have on hand.
What is the best way to reheat without drying out the casserole?
Reheat slowly in the oven covered with foil or use the microwave on medium power, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to keep it moist.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Try mixing in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini with the spinach for added texture and flavor variety that blends perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Final Thoughts
The Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm invitation to the dinner table. Its blend of comforting textures and cozy flavors makes it a guaranteed family favorite, perfect for weeknights and special gatherings alike. I cannot wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own little slice of comfort food heaven!
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Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender cooked chicken, creamy sour cream, flavorful cream of chicken soup, fresh spinach, and melty Monterey Jack cheese, all baked together and topped with crispy French fried onions for added texture. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines rich flavors and a creamy texture into a satisfying casserole that’s easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz dried spaghetti
Chicken & Vegetables
- 4 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 1 (10-oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Dairy & Canned Goods
- 1 (16-oz) container sour cream
- 2 (10.5-oz) cans unsalted cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
Toppings
- 1 (6-oz) can French’s French Fried Onions, divided
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to get it ready for baking the casserole later.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the dried spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente, then drain well to remove all excess water.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked spaghetti, chopped cooked chicken, thawed and drained spinach, minced garlic, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top evenly.
- Top with Cheese and Onions: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the casserole, followed by half of the French fried onions.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Add Final Crunch: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining French fried onions on top, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to crisp the onions.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish serves 8 people.
Notes
- If you want to add extra flavor, consider seasoning the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.
- You can substitute fresh spinach for frozen if preferred; just sauté it beforehand to remove excess moisture.
- Make sure to fully drain the spinach to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
- To make this dish ahead, assemble and refrigerate the casserole, then bake when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
