Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: A Comforting Classic Your Family Will Love

Photo byAngie Bright

When it comes to family-friendly meals that bring warmth and comfort to the table, Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a dish that delivers every time. Imagine tender pieces of chicken nestled in a creamy, cheesy sauce with the fresh taste of spinach and the savory crunch of French fried onions. This dish brings together elements of a classic chicken casserole and a hearty pasta bake, offering the best of both worlds in a single, satisfying recipe.

A Hearty Dish for Any Occasion

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is not just another casserole; it's a celebration of flavors and textures. The smoothness of the cream of chicken soup mixed with sour cream creates a luscious base that coats every strand of spaghetti. Monterey Jack cheese adds a gentle kick of sharpness, while the garlic brings depth to the flavor profile. What truly sets this dish apart is the addition of French’s French Fried Onions, both mixed into the casserole and sprinkled on top. These onions give the perfect crispy contrast to the creamy filling, making each bite a delicious combination of textures.

The spinach adds a hint of earthiness and color, balancing the richness of the cheese and chicken. Even those who might be hesitant about greens will appreciate how the spinach integrates seamlessly into this dish.

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

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:

1. Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Pasta: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, thawed and drained spinach, 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese, minced garlic, and half of the French Fried Onions.
4. Combine Pasta and Mixture: Stir the cooked spaghetti into the chicken mixture until it’s evenly combined. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese on top of the pasta mixture. Then, top it off with the remaining French Fried Onions.
6. Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes, or until it’s hot, bubbly, and the French fried onions on top have turned golden brown.

This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a family gathering, it’s sure to impress. You can also make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge, then just pop it into the oven when you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts on Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a dish that will quickly become a favorite in your household. Its blend of creamy, cheesy, and crispy elements makes it irresistible, and it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or give a comforting twist to your weeknight meal routine. The best part is that this dish can easily be adapted to suit your family’s preferences. Want more veggies? Add in some mushrooms or bell peppers. Looking for a bit more spice? A dash of hot sauce or some jalapeños would do the trick.

With its satisfying balance of flavors and textures, this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

I found multiple reliable sources that feature variations of Monterey Chicken Spaghetti, including step-by-step instructions, ingredient lists, and tips on how to prepare the dish. Here are some of the key sources:

1. Southern Living provides a detailed recipe that focuses on the creamy base of chicken, spinach, and cheese, with tips on how to cook the spaghetti to al dente and get the perfect crispy topping with French's Fried Onions​(Southern Living).
2. New South Charm offers another version, with suggestions for using fresh spinach instead of frozen and helpful tricks for getting the perfect texture in the casserole​(New South Charm:).
3. Bad Batch Baking emphasizes how easy this dish is to assemble and gives detailed instructions on making the sauce and ensuring that the toppings bake to a golden brown​(Bad Batch Baking).

These sources give you plenty of ways to customize the recipe to your taste, whether you're using rotisserie chicken for convenience or adding extra veggies for a healthier twist.