Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy dish that combines the best flavors of chicken, pasta, and Monterey Jack cheese. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping, as it’s easy to make, filling, and sure to please everyone at the table. With its creamy texture, tender chicken, and a delightful crispy topping, it’s a delicious twist on traditional baked spaghetti that is bound to become a new favorite.

This dish combines hearty spaghetti with a rich, creamy sauce made from sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and melted Monterey Jack cheese. The addition of spinach gives it a touch of greenery, while the French fried onions add a crispy finish. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

With minimal ingredients and prep time, this dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights.

2. Creamy and Cheesy

The combination of sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and Monterey Jack cheese creates a rich and creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.

3. Perfect for Leftovers

This dish makes excellent leftovers and can easily be reheated for lunch or dinner the next day.

4. Kid-Friendly

With its creamy texture and cheesy flavor, this dish is sure to be a hit with kids, making it an excellent choice for family meals.

5. Versatile

You can easily customize this dish by adding vegetables, swapping the chicken for another protein, or adjusting the amount of cheese for a stronger flavor.

Ingredients

For the Spaghetti:

12 oz dried spaghetti
4 cups chopped cooked chicken

1 (16-oz) container sour cream
2 (10.5-oz) cans unsalted cream of chicken soup
1 (10-oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained

2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (6-oz) can French’s French Fried Onions, divided

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with cooked vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini, to make a vegetarian version of this dish.
Add Bacon: For a smoky flavor, add crumbled bacon to the mix before baking.
Use Different Cheese: Swap the Monterey Jack for cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination of cheeses for a different taste.

Add More Veggies: You can easily add more vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or peas to boost the dish’s nutrition.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and garlic. Stir in the chopped cooked chicken, spinach, and 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Mix until everything is evenly combined.

Step 3: Mix with the Spaghetti

Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce mixture and toss to combine, making sure the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 4: Bake

Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top. Sprinkle the French fried onions over the cheese for a crispy topping.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Bake the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover chicken, this is a great way to repurpose it. Simply chop it up and add it to the sauce.
Drain the Spinach Well: Be sure to thoroughly drain the spinach to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
Crispy Topping: If you want an extra-crunchy topping, you can add more French fried onions or even top it with breadcrumbs before baking.

Cheese Choice: For a sharper flavor, try using sharp cheddar cheese instead of Monterey Jack.

How to Serve

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti pairs perfectly with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad to balance out the richness of the dish. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans for added nutrition. For a heartier meal, add a side of roasted potatoes or a baked potato.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Freezing

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti can be frozen for up to 2 months. After assembling the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place the leftover casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the spaghetti with other types of pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni. Just cook it according to the package instructions.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the entire dish in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! You can swap the Monterey Jack for cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination of cheeses depending on your preference.

4. How can I add more flavor to the dish?

Try adding some spices like paprika, onion powder, or red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture for added flavor. You could also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the dish.

5. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, you can add more vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or mushrooms to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrition.

6. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh spinach in place of frozen. Just sauté the spinach for a few minutes until wilted and then drain any excess water before adding it to the casserole.

7. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and make sure the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free. You can find gluten-free versions at most grocery stores.

8. How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

9. Can I freeze Monterey Chicken Spaghetti?

Yes, you can freeze the entire casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake it from frozen or after thawing overnight in the refrigerator.

10. How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce mixture or add a chopped jalapeño pepper to the casserole.

Conclusion

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a deliciously creamy and cheesy dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week. It’s quick, easy to make, and fully customizable with the addition of your favorite vegetables or spices. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or looking for a comforting casserole to bring to a potluck, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.