Name: Monterey Chicken Spaghetti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken; 8 oz spaghetti, cooked and drained; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1 cup fresh or frozen spinach, chopped; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 cup French fried onions

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Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a rich and comforting casserole that combines savory chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, and a variety of other ingredients to create a satisfying meal for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or preparing for a family gathering, this dish is guaranteed to please everyone at the table.

This creamy pasta bake is easy to make, customizable, and can be adapted to fit various dietary preferences. From the base of creamy cream of chicken soup and sour cream to the crispy topping of French fried onions, every bite is packed with flavor. To get started on this delightful meal, you’ll need some key ingredients, but once assembled, you can simply pop it into the oven for an effortless, hearty dinner.

If you’re interested in exploring more recipe ideas and variations, you can refer to this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti variation guide, which offers even more ways to enjoy this dish.

Why Monterey Chicken Spaghetti?

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines some of the best flavors in comfort food. The star ingredients in this recipe are simple yet flavorful: chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, spaghetti, and spinach. The cheese melts beautifully, creating a creamy texture that’s perfect for mixing with the chicken and pasta. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table and can be prepared easily without spending hours in the kitchen.

You can find numerous variations of this recipe online, but this version stays true to the comforting nature of the dish while offering options to make it uniquely your own. For a breakdown of how the ingredients come together, take a look at this nutritional value guide that discusses the health benefits of the main ingredients.

Key Ingredients and Their Importance

The ingredients in Monterey Chicken Spaghetti are not only essential for flavor but also bring nutritional benefits to the dish. Here’s a breakdown of each ingredient and why it’s important:

Chicken: This is the main protein source in the dish. You can use shredded rotisserie chicken or cook your own chicken breast. Both options work well and contribute a savory flavor to the casserole.
Monterey Jack Cheese: This mild cheese is perfect for melting and creates that gooey, creamy texture that makes this dish so irresistible. It also adds a rich flavor that complements the chicken and pasta.
Spaghetti: The pasta serves as the base of the dish and holds all the creamy ingredients together. Traditional spaghetti works best, but you can substitute it with other types of pasta, such as penne or linguine, based on your preferences.
Cream of Chicken Soup and Sour Cream: These ingredients create a creamy base for the casserole. The cream of chicken soup adds richness, while the sour cream adds a tangy touch that balances out the other flavors.
Spinach: Fresh or frozen spinach can be added to the dish for an extra boost of nutrients. Spinach is packed with iron, vitamins A, C, and K, and adds a mild, earthy flavor to the dish.
French Fried Onions: These crispy onions are sprinkled on top of the casserole to create a crunchy texture and a flavorful finish.

These ingredients come together to create a well-balanced dish that is not only delicious but also filling. For those interested in nutritional content, this detailed nutritional guide will give you a closer look at the health benefits of the dish.

Step-by-Step Preparation for Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the steps to prepare your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti. This process is straightforward and won’t take much time, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner.

1. Preparing the Ingredients

Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients and prepare them as follows:

Cook and shred the chicken: If you’re using raw chicken, cook it in a pan or oven and shred it once it’s cool enough to handle. Alternatively, you can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker, no-cook option.
Cook the pasta: Boil the spaghetti in salted water according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Be careful not to overcook it, as the pasta will continue to cook in the oven.
Prepare the spinach: If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it and drain any excess water. For fresh spinach, simply wash and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Grate the cheese: Freshly grated Monterey Jack cheese works best for this dish. The pre-grated kind may not melt as smoothly, so take the extra step to grate it yourself.

2. Cooking the Base Mixture

Once your ingredients are prepared, it’s time to assemble the creamy base mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:

Shredded chicken
Cream of chicken soup
Sour cream
Spinach
Half of the grated Monterey Jack cheese (reserve the rest for topping)
Spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to taste

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until everything is evenly combined. This mixture should be creamy and well-seasoned, ready to coat the pasta.

3. Assembling the Casserole

Now that your creamy mixture is ready, it’s time to assemble the casserole:

Spread the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of a casserole dish.
Pour the creamy chicken mixture over the pasta, spreading it evenly so that the pasta is coated with the sauce.
Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the casserole, followed by a generous amount of French fried onions for a crispy topping.

4. Baking the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the oven is heated, place the casserole dish inside and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.

After baking, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to set and make it easier to cut and serve.

Variations and Customizations for Your Casserole

One of the best things about Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is how easily it can be adapted to fit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some ideas to customize the dish:

Pasta options: While spaghetti is traditional, you can swap it for other types of pasta like linguine, penne, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
Vegetable additions: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli to the mix. These veggies can add extra flavor and nutrients to the dish.
Spicy options: If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a spicy cheese like pepper jack to give the dish a spicy kick.
Gluten-free options: For those following a gluten-free diet, simply swap the spaghetti for a gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup.

These variations allow you to make the dish your own and cater it to the preferences of your family or guests.

Storing and Reheating Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti makes great leftovers and can be stored and reheated with ease.

Refrigerating: Store the casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: You can also freeze this casserole for later use. Simply let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through. If the top is no longer crispy, you can sprinkle some additional French fried onions on top before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a filling dish on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with various sides:

Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the casserole.
Bread: Garlic bread or a simple crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up any leftover creamy sauce.
Vegetables: Serve it alongside roasted broccoli or green beans for a healthy addition.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Monterey Chicken Spaghetti:

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe? Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds even more flavor to the dish.
How can I make the dish less spicy? To reduce the heat, omit any jalapeños or spicy ingredients. You can also use a milder cheese like Monterey Jack instead of spicy options.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen? Yes, fresh spinach works great in this recipe. Just chop it into smaller pieces before mixing it into the casserole.
What can I use instead of French fried onions? If you don’t have French fried onions, you can use bread crumbs mixed with a little melted butter to add a crunchy topping.

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Author: iyma hernandes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

A rich and comforting Monterey Chicken Spaghetti casserole made with creamy sauce, shredded chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, and a crispy topping. Perfect for family dinners and easy meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
8 oz spaghetti, cooked and drained
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup fresh or frozen spinach, chopped
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup French fried onions

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, half of the cheese, spinach, and seasonings until well combined.
Spread cooked spaghetti in the bottom of a greased baking dish.
Pour the chicken mixture over the pasta, spreading evenly.
Top with remaining cheese and French fried onions.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.