Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: A Comforting Delight
Are you looking for a dinner that’s cozy, comforting, and sure to please the whole family? Look no further than Monterey Chicken Spaghetti! This dish is a creamy, cheesy casserole loaded with hearty chicken and flavors that’ll bring everyone to the table. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as the spaghetti bakes to perfection, with gooey cheese topping it off. An interesting tidbit about this recipe is that it’s a family favorite in many southern households, often enjoyed during gatherings and celebrations. It’s not just flavorful; it’s also super simple to whip up, taking no time to prepare! If you enjoyed our classic Baked Ziti, you’re going to adore this creamy twist, too! Get ready to dig into a bowl of goodness that’s bursting with flavor!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces dried spaghetti
- 4 cups chopped cooked 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
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot and cook the dried spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, drained spinach, 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese, minced garlic, and half a can of French Fried Onions. Mix well until all ingredients are nicely incorporated.
- Combine Pasta and Mixture: Gently stir the cooked spaghetti into the chicken mixture, ensuring that the pasta gets coated evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the pasta mixture. Finish by topping with the rest of the French Fried Onions for an added crunch.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the onions are golden brown.
- Serve: Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Monterey Chicken Spaghetti!
- What to Serve Monterey Chicken Spaghetti With:
- Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is delightful on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides! Consider serving it alongside a crisp garden salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette for a fresh contrast. Garlic bread is another fantastic option, perfect for scooping up any creamy sauce left on the plate. If you are feeling fancy, a glass of white wine could enhance the dish, bringing out the flavors even more.
- Top Tips for Perfecting Monterey Chicken Spaghetti:
- To ensure your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
- Ingredient Substitutions: If you want a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You can also swap out Monterey Jack chee