There’s something about a warm, cheesy casserole that just hits the spot, especially when life gets busy and you need a reliable, crowd-pleasing meal. This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is everything you want in a comfort food dish—tender chicken, creamy sauce, melty cheese, and crispy French fried onions all baked together to golden perfection. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
One of the best things about this dish is how simple it is to put together. With just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients, you can have a delicious, satisfying meal with minimal effort. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken and sneak in some extra veggies with spinach! If you’re looking for a new go-to casserole recipe, this one is a must-try.
Let’s dive into how to make this creamy, cheesy masterpiece.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Before anything else, set your oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This step ensures your casserole won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Cook 12 ounces of dried spaghetti according to the package directions until it’s just al dente. You don’t want to overcook it since it will continue softening in the oven. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Mixture
Now comes the fun part—mixing everything together. In a large bowl, combine:
- 4 cups of chopped cooked chicken
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans of unsalted cream of chicken soup
- 1 (16-ounce) container of sour cream
- 1 (10-ounce) package of frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- Half of a (6-ounce) can of French’s French Fried Onions
Give it all a good stir until everything is well combined. The mixture should be thick and creamy, evenly coating the chicken and spinach. This is the base of your casserole, and it’s packed with flavor!
Step 4: Combine & Assemble
Now that you have your creamy, flavorful mixture ready, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl and gently stir until the noodles are evenly coated in the rich sauce. Make sure everything is well combined so that every bite is packed with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melty cheese.
Once mixed, pour the entire contents into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This will help the casserole cook uniformly, ensuring every layer bakes to perfection.
Step 5: Add Toppings
One of the best parts of this dish is the cheesy, crispy topping. To create that perfect golden-brown finish, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the casserole. Then, take the rest of the French’s French Fried Onions and scatter them on top. These onions add a delicious crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of the casserole.
At this point, your dish is looking pretty irresistible—but we’re not done yet! Now, it’s time to bake.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated 350°F oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, the casserole is bubbling around the edges, and the French fried onions are golden brown and crisp.
If you notice the onions browning too quickly, you can lightly cover the dish with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This helps prevent burning while still allowing the casserole to cook through completely.
Step 7: Let It Rest & Serve
Once the casserole is hot and bubbly, carefully remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This short resting time allows the sauce to thicken slightly, making it easier to scoop and serve.
Serve this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti warm, straight from the baking dish. Pair it with a simple side salad or some garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—comfort food at its best.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re making this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti for the first time, you might have a few questions. Here are some of the most common ones, along with helpful tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfect every time.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works great, you can swap it for fettuccine, penne, rotini, or any other pasta you prefer. Just be sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t get too soft when baked.
What can I use instead of Monterey Jack cheese?
If you don’t have Monterey Jack cheese on hand, you can use mozzarella, Colby Jack, or even cheddar. Each one will give a slightly different flavor, but they all melt beautifully.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before placing it in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, place a portion in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 325°F until heated through. If it seems a little dry, add a splash of milk or chicken broth before reheating.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! Monterey Chicken Spaghetti freezes well. To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Can I add extra veggies?
Of course! While spinach adds great flavor and nutrition, you can also mix in mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli for even more veggies. Just be sure to sauté or steam them first so they’re tender.
Final Thoughts
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with delicious flavors. It’s an easy, make-ahead dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or potlucks. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken and sneak in some extra greens.
If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear any variations or tips you have. Enjoy this warm, satisfying casserole with family and friends—it’s sure to be a new favorite!
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Monterey Chicken Spaghetti
- Total Time: 1 hour
Description
This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting casserole packed with tender chicken, spinach, and crispy French fried onions. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
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
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3️⃣ Prepare the Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, drained spinach, 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese, minced garlic, and half of the French Fried Onions until well combined.
4️⃣ Combine & Assemble:
Add the cooked spaghetti to the mixture and stir until evenly coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5️⃣ Add Toppings:
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. Finish by adding the rest of the French Fried Onions.
6️⃣ Bake:
Bake uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the onions are golden brown.
7️⃣ Serve:
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- For added flavor, use rotisserie chicken.
- Make it spicy by adding a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- If you prefer a crispier top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Pairs well with a fresh salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8
