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:
-
Preheat the Oven:
Heat your oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. -
Cook the Spaghetti:
Prepare the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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.
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!