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Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

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Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole with a Crunchy Topping

This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish that combines tender chicken, spinach, and Monterey Jack cheese, all topped with crispy French fried onions for a perfect crunch. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser, great for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces dried spaghetti
  • 4 cups cooked, chopped 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

Directions:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    Heat your oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Cook the Spaghetti:
    Prepare the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
  3. Mix the Ingredients:
    In a large bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, drained spinach, 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, minced garlic, and half a can of French’s French Fried Onions.
  4. Combine the Pasta and Chicken Mixture:
    Stir the cooked spaghetti into the chicken mixture until well combined. Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  5. Add the Toppings:
    Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese over the top. Then, evenly distribute the rest of the French fried onions on top of the cheese.
  6. Bake the Casserole:
    Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the French fried onions are golden and crispy.
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Tips:

  • Substitutions: You can swap Monterey Jack for cheddar or a blend of cheeses for extra flavor.
  • Make it Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake the next day, adding about 10 extra minutes to the cook time.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, crunchy, and flavorful casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner!