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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook spaghetti in boiling water until it reaches a tender yet firm al dente texture, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
- 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.
- Incorporate the cooked spaghetti into the chicken and vegetable mixture, ensuring every strand is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Transfer the complete mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly to promote even heating.
- Enhance the dish’s visual appeal and texture by generously sprinkling the remaining Monterey Jack cheese across the surface.
- Crown the casserole with the remaining French Fried Onions, which will provide a delightful crispy golden topping during baking.
- 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