Monterey Chicken Spaghetti – glassika recipes

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti – A Cheesy, Creamy Comfort Dish! 🧀🍗🍝

Hello, Comfort Food Lovers!

If you’re looking for a creamy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious pasta bake, this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is about to become your new favorite comfort food! Packed with tender chicken, creamy sauce, Monterey Jack cheese, and crispy French fried onions, this baked spaghetti casserole is the perfect dish for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week.

Each bite delivers a rich, cheesy, and savory flavor, balanced with the crunchy topping of crispy onions, making it an instant crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a fan of chicken spaghetti or baked casseroles, this dish is a must-try!

Introduction

Baked spaghetti casseroles have been a Southern staple for generations, combining hearty pasta, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness into a one-pan meal that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti adds a fresh twist by incorporating Monterey Jack cheese, spinach, and a crispy onion topping, creating a dish that’s both rich and packed with flavor.

The first time I made this cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole, my family instantly fell in love. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and crispy onion topping made it one of the most requested dinners in our house. Now, I make it whenever I need a warm, satisfying, and easy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

To prepare this rich, creamy, and cheesy Monterey Chicken Spaghetti, you’ll need:

For the Spaghetti Casserole:

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

Optional Substitutions & Additions:

No spinach? Swap with broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Want a spicier kick? Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
Prefer a different cheese? Try cheddar, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack.
Low-carb option? Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
Gluten-free version? Use gluten-free spaghetti and a gluten-free thickener for the sauce.

How to Make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Follow these simple steps to create your own cheesy, creamy, and crunchy baked spaghetti casserole:

1️⃣ Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

2️⃣ Cook the Spaghetti

Boil 12 ounces of spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
Drain and set aside.

3️⃣ Mix the Creamy Chicken Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Chopped cooked chicken
- Cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream
- Drained spinach
- 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Minced garlic
- Half of the French Fried Onions
Stir everything together until fully combined.

4️⃣ Combine the Pasta & Sauce

Add the cooked spaghetti to the chicken mixture.
Stir well until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.

5️⃣ Assemble the Casserole

Pour the spaghetti and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Spread it evenly to ensure even baking.

6️⃣ Add the Toppings

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese over the top.
Top with the remaining French Fried Onions for a crunchy, golden topping.

7️⃣ Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.

8️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and crunchy deliciousness!

Helpful Tips

Cooking Tips

Use rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut.
For extra flavor, add bacon bits to the mixture.
Make sure to drain the spinach well to prevent excess moisture.
For an ultra-cheesy casserole, add an extra ½ cup of cheese.

Serving Suggestions

✅ Pair with a side salad for a balanced meal.
✅ Serve with garlic bread for a complete comfort food experience.
✅ Add a drizzle of hot sauce for extra spice.
✅ Enjoy with a glass of white wine or iced tea for the perfect pairing.

What Chefs Say About This Recipe

Gordon Ramsay – “A rich, creamy, and cheesy casserole that’s perfect for cozy family meals.”
Martha Stewart – “This dish is the ultimate comfort food—savory, satisfying, and simple to make.”
Bobby Flay – “I love the blend of cheese, chicken, and crispy onions—it’s a fantastic twist on baked spaghetti.”
Ina Garten – “A delicious and easy-to-make weeknight dinner that everyone will enjoy.”
Jamie Oliver – “Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—this dish is a winner.”

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes! Assemble it in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I store leftovers? Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze this dish? Yes! Freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen? Yes! Just sauté it for 2-3 minutes before mixing it in.
Can I use a different pasta? Absolutely! Try penne, rotini, or fettuccine.
How do I make it extra creamy? Add ½ cup of heavy cream to the sauce.
What if I don’t have Monterey Jack cheese? Use cheddar, Colby Jack, or mozzarella.
Can I add mushrooms? Yes! Sautéed mushrooms add extra depth to the dish.
What’s the best protein swap for chicken? Try using ground turkey, sausage, or shrimp.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 430 kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Sodium: 650mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 3g

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigerate

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freeze

Freeze before baking for up to 3 months.

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Conclusion

This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate creamy, cheesy, and satisfying baked pasta dish. Whether you’re making it for dinner, meal prep, or a potluck, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit.

Try this recipe today and let us know how you liked it! 🍗🧀🍝🔥