If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s packed with creamy goodness and cheesy delight, the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is here to sweep you off your feet. This casserole combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, rich sour cream, and melty Monterey Jack cheese with a crispy fried onion topping to create a meal that’s warm, indulgent, and simply irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a potluck, this recipe brings a satisfying blend of savory flavors and textures that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this dish is surprisingly simple, yet each component plays a crucial role in building the casserole’s delicious layers. From the creamy base to the crunchy topping, every ingredient adds an essential touch to the overall taste and texture.
- 12 oz dried spaghetti: The hearty pasta backbone that soaks up all the creamy sauce.
- 4 cups chopped cooked chicken: Adds protein and a tender bite, making this casserole a filling main dish.
- 1 (16-oz) container sour cream: Brings tangy creaminess that balances the richness from the cheese.
- 2 (10.5-oz) cans Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates a smooth, flavorful sauce that ties everything together.
- 1 (10-oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained: Packs in nutrients and a subtle earthiness, plus a pop of green color.
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided: Offers mild, melty cheese flavor that’s characteristic of this recipe.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses aromatic depth and hints of warmth without overpowering.
- 1 (6-oz) can French’s French Fried Onions, divided: Provides a golden, crispy topping with irresistible crunch.
How to Make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick and to make clean-up a breeze. This simple step is key to maintaining that beautiful golden crust on the bottom and sides.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Boil your spaghetti in salted water just until al dente—no mush here—then drain it thoroughly. The pasta should have enough bite to hold up under the creamy, cheesy layers without getting soggy.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, sour cream, cream of chicken soups, thawed spinach, minced garlic, half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, half of the fried onions, and the drained spaghetti. This blend creates the luscious filling that sits in your casserole dish, guaranteed to satisfy both comfort and flavor cravings.
Step 4: Transfer and Add Toppings
Pour the combined mixture into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese on top, then finish with the remaining French fried onions for that perfect, crispy topping.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden
Place the dish in a preheated oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes. You want the casserole to be bubbly and the onions to turn a gorgeous golden brown, signaling it’s ready to dig in.
How to Serve Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For an added touch of freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the top right before serving. This not only enhances the visual appeal but adds a nice herby brightness that complements the creamy casserole beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables to add variety of textures and keep the meal balanced. Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with extra cheese and French fried onions, then broil briefly for a personalized gratin-style effect. Alternatively, scoop the casserole on a platter and garnish with sliced avocado or a drizzle of hot sauce for some zesty excitement.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually marry beautifully overnight, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
If you want to prep in advance, this casserole freezes well. Assemble everything but don’t bake it yet. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a little extra time if still cold.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese begins to bubble again, about 20 minutes. For a quick option, the microwave works too—cover with a microwave-safe lid to keep moisture locked in.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you have fresh spinach on hand, simply sauté it until wilted and drain any excess liquid before adding it to the casserole. This helps maintain that creamy consistency without watering down the dish.
Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute dairy ingredients with non-dairy alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream and a dairy-free cheese substitute. Keep in mind this will alter the flavor slightly but will still be delicious.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Definitely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for the chicken component and saves you prep time without compromising flavor.
What can I substitute for the French fried onions topping?
If you’re not a fan of fried onions, crushed crispy crackers or breadcrumbs tossed with a little melted butter make a great crunchy alternative.
How do I make sure the spaghetti doesn’t get mushy?
Cooking the spaghetti just until al dente and draining it well is key. Also, be careful not to overmix once you combine it with the sauce so the pasta strands remain intact and pleasantly firm.
Final Thoughts
This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is such a wonderfully comforting and crowd-pleasing dish that I guarantee it will quickly become one of your go-to family dinners. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese all topped with crispy onions create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. So go ahead, give it a try—you’ll love sharing this warm and inviting recipe with everyone around your table.
Print
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole combines tender cooked chicken, creamy sour cream, savory cream of chicken soup, spinach, and Monterey Jack cheese baked together with spaghetti and topped with crispy French fried onions for a delicious, hearty meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 oz dried spaghetti
- 4 cups chopped cooked chicken
Sauce and Cheese
- 1 (16-oz) container sour cream
- 2 (10.5-oz) cans unsalted cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Vegetables and Toppings
- 1 (10-oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 (6-oz) can French’s French Fried Onions, divided
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Cook the spaghetti: Boil the dried spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well to remove excess water.
- Mix the casserole ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, chopped cooked chicken, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, thawed and drained spinach, minced garlic, and 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute all the ingredients.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch pan and spread it out evenly.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top, followed by half of the fried onions.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for about 30 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.
- Add final topping: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining fried onions evenly over the top.
- Final bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the onions are golden and crispy.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to let it set and enhance flavors.
Notes
- Ensure the frozen spinach is well thawed and thoroughly drained to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat sour cream and cheese.
- Leftover casserole can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
