Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: A Simple Family-Favorite Recipe

Comfort meets culinary delight in this mouthwatering monterey chicken spaghetti recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory flavors, this dish brings together tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta.

The combination of melted monterey jack cheese creates a rich, irresistible sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing meal that comes together in under an hour.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of protein and pasta, making it a satisfying option for hungry families.

The simple ingredients and straightforward preparation ensure you can whip up this delectable dish with minimal effort.

Prepare to fall in love with a new dinner favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Reasons You’ll Enjoy Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

• Discover Comfort: Dive into a creamy, cheesy casserole that wraps you in warm, homey flavors with minimal kitchen effort.
• Quick Family Pleaser: Combine everything in one bowl, toss into a baking dish, and watch hungry family members devour this irresistible meal without complicated cooking steps.
• Versatile Dish Transformer: Easily swap ingredients like chicken with turkey or add different vegetables to customize this crowd-pleasing recipe according to your pantry and preferences.
• Budget-Friendly Crowd Delight: Utilize simple, affordable ingredients that create a restaurant-worthy dish guaranteed to satisfy multiple hungry mouths without breaking the bank.

What’s in Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

• Chicken: Tender and juicy meat for a hearty base.
• Sour Cream: Creamy and tangy ingredient for richness.

• Monterey Jack Cheese: Mild and melty cheese for gooey goodness.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Smooth sauce for binding ingredients.

• Spaghetti, French Fried Onions, Spinach, Garlic: Classic mix of pasta, crispy topping, greens, and flavor booster.

• Cooking Spray: Quick pan preparation helper.

Method for Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Set your oven to 350°F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook The Noodles

Boil your spaghetti until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Once done, drain and set aside.

Step 3: Create The Creamy Blend

• Shredded cooked chicken
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Drained spinach
• Monterey Jack cheese
• Minced garlic
• Half a can of crispy French fried onions

Mix everything until well combined.

Step 4: Marry The Pasta And Mixture

Fold the cooked spaghetti into the creamy chicken mixture.

Ensure every strand gets coated.

Transfer the entire concoction into your prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Add The Crowning Glory

Scatter the remaining Monterey Jack cheese across the top.

Sprinkle the rest of the French fried onions for that irresistible crunch.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes until the casserole is bubbling hot and the onions turn a beautiful golden brown.

Kitchen Tips for Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

• Swap Monterey Jack with cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend for different flavor profiles and texture variations.
• Drain spinach thoroughly to prevent watery consistency and ensure a creamy, perfect casserole texture.
• Substitute chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein for dietary preferences and convenience.
• Toast French Fried Onions separately before adding to enhance crunchiness and prevent soggy results.
• Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready for stress-free meal planning.

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: Store and Reheat Guide

• Store leftover Monterey Chicken Spaghetti in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months for later enjoyment.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover dish with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add extra cheese on top for a crispy finish.
• Reheat individual portions in microwave-safe dish, covering with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Warm in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

What Goes Well with Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy, rich flavors of the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti, cutting through its richness with bright acidity.
• Create Fresh Green Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and toasted pine nuts to balance the casserole's hearty texture and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Serve Herbed Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty French bread rubbed with garlic and sprinkled with fresh parsley to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and add extra crunch to the meal.
• Select Sparkling Citrus Mocktail: Mix sparkling water with fresh lemon juice and a touch of honey for a non-alcoholic beverage that cleanses the palate and complements the dish's rich flavors.

Tasty Twists on Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace spaghetti with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free cream of chicken soup. Check all ingredient labels to ensure no wheat-based products are included.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap spaghetti with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Reduce onions and use low-carb cream cheese instead of sour cream.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with plant-based chicken alternatives or firm tofu. Use vegetable cream soup and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for protein and texture.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free cheese substitutes and coconut cream instead of sour cream. Replace cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free version or homemade alternative.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta like fettuccine, penne, or rotini. Just ensure you cook the pasta al dente before mixing with other ingredients.

• Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute cream of chicken soup with a gluten-free version. Also, check that your French Fried Onions are gluten-free.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

• What can I do if I don't have Monterey Jack cheese?

No worries! Replace it with similar melting cheeses like provolone, mozzarella, or mild cheddar. The key is using a cheese that melts smoothly and complements the chicken flavor.

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Monterey chicken spaghetti brings comfort and zest to classic pasta nights, blending creamy textures with bold southwestern flavors. Cheese-draped noodles and tender chicken promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups chopped cooked chicken
• 1/2 ounces (14 grams) dried spaghetti
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided

Dairy and Creamy Components:

• 1 (16-ounce/454 grams) container sour cream
• 2 (10.5-ounce/298 grams) cans unsalted cream of chicken soup

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 (10-ounce/283 grams) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (6-ounce/170 grams) can French’s French Fried Onions, divided

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook spaghetti in boiling water until it reaches a tender yet firm al dente texture, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Create a flavor-rich base by blending cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, drained spinach, Monterey Jack cheese, minced garlic, and half the French Fried Onions in a spacious mixing bowl.
4. Incorporate the cooked spaghetti into the chicken and vegetable mixture, ensuring every strand is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
5. Transfer the complete mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly to promote even heating.
6. Enhance the dish’s visual appeal and texture by generously sprinkling the remaining Monterey Jack cheese across the surface.
7. Crown the casserole with the remaining French Fried Onions, which will provide a delightful crispy golden topping during baking.
8. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes, monitoring until the dish becomes hot, bubbling, and the onion topping turns a rich golden brown.

Notes

• Customize the protein by swapping chicken with rotisserie, turkey, or even plant-based alternatives for diverse dietary needs.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cream of chicken soup and selecting reduced-fat cheese options.
• Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms to boost nutritional value and create more texture variation.
• Toast French Fried Onions separately for maximum crispiness before adding to prevent soggy topping during baking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg