Cozy Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe: A Family Favorite

Monterey chicken spaghetti weaves a delightful culinary story that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with savory chicken and perfectly cooked pasta.

Cheese lovers will find this dish irresistibly comforting and satisfying.

Southern kitchens often celebrate these simple yet magnificent meal combinations.

California’s monterey jack cheese adds a tangy twist to this classic comfort food.

Fresh ingredients elevate every single bite into a memorable experience.

What Makes Monterey Chicken Spaghetti a Comfort Classic

• Create Comfort Quickly: Monterey Chicken Spaghetti delivers a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal preparation steps that anyone can master.
• Crowd-Pleasing Ingredients: Combining classic favorites like chicken, cheese, and crispy onions ensures this dish will win over family members of all ages.
• Versatile Weeknight Champion: Perfect for busy households, this one-pan recipe requires simple ingredients and delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen cleanup.
• Adaptable Meal Solution: Easily customizable by swapping proteins or adding extra vegetables, making it an ideal go-to recipe for flexible meal planning.

Ingredients Needed for Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

• Spaghetti: A classic pasta that provides the hearty base for this comforting casserole.
• Chicken: Tender, cooked protein that adds substance and flavor to the dish.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: A mild, creamy cheese that melts beautifully and adds rich flavor.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream: These ingredients create a smooth, velvety sauce that binds the casserole together.
• Garlic: A flavor-enhancing ingredient that adds depth and aromatic complexity.

• French Fried Onions, Spinach: These ingredients provide texture contrast and a hint of green nutrition to the casserole.

Stepwise Instructions for Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Prepare your oven by heating it to 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Boil the spaghetti in a pot of water following the package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Once done, drain the water and set the pasta aside.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Chicken Blend

• Cooked chicken
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Drained spinach
• Monterey Jack cheese
• Minced garlic
• French Fried Onions

Stir everything until it forms a mouthwatering mixture.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Filling

Gently fold the cooked spaghetti into the chicken mixture, ensuring every strand gets coated with the creamy goodness.

Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Add the Crowning Glory

Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese across the top of the pasta.

Scatter the rest of the French Fried Onions evenly over the cheese layer for that perfect crispy topping.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is bubbling hot and the onions have turned a beautiful golden brown.

Tips to Make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Moist and Flavorful

• Choose whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier twist, boosting fiber and nutrition without sacrificing flavor. Swap cream of chicken soup with homemade cream sauce for a less processed option that tastes fresher and more authentic. Consider using rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor to the dish, making meal preparation faster and easier. Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals, perfect for busy families or solo diners wanting convenient meal prep. Balance the richness by adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top, which bring brightness and cut through the creamy texture of the casserole.

Variations on Monterey Chicken Spaghetti You Can Try

• Gluten-Free Monterey Chicken Spaghetti: Replace regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free cream of chicken soup.
• Vegetarian Swap: Substitute chicken with plant-based chicken alternatives or extra firm tofu, and use vegetable cream soup.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace spaghetti with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash, reducing overall carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives, coconut cream instead of sour cream, and dairy-free cream of chicken soup.

What to Serve with Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the creamy richness of the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti, providing a refreshing contrast that elevates the dish's flavors.
• Create Zesty Side Salad: Toss a light green salad with fresh arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette to balance the casserole's hearty and creamy texture, adding a bright, fresh element to the meal.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty garlic bread with herb-infused butter to complement the dish's savory profile, offering a crunchy texture that perfectly soaks up the creamy sauce and adds an extra layer of flavor.

Best Storage Practices for Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Seal tightly and store for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

• What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Monterey Jack cheese provides a mild, creamy flavor that melts beautifully. If unavailable, you can substitute with mozzarella or mild cheddar for similar results.

• Can I use fresh chicken instead of pre-cooked?

Absolutely! Simply cook chicken breasts or thighs until fully done, then shred or dice before mixing into the casserole. Rotisserie chicken also works great as a quick alternative.

• Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, Monterey Chicken Spaghetti reheats well and can be prepared ahead of time. You can assemble the entire casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Monterey chicken spaghetti brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table with creamy cheese and tender chicken. Hearty pasta combines with zesty seasonings, creating a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 4 cups chopped cooked chicken
• 12 ounces (340 grams) dried spaghetti

Dairy and Creaminess:

• 1 16-ounce (454 grams) container sour cream
• 2 cups shredded monterey jack cheese
• 2 (10.5-ounce/298 grams) cans unsalted cream of chicken soup

Flavor Enhancers and Toppings:

• 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

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Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with non-stick spray.
2. Transform spaghetti into an al dente texture by boiling according to package guidelines, then drain and reserve.
3. Craft the core mixture by whisking together shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, thoroughly drained spinach, grated Monterey Jack cheese, crushed garlic, and half the French Fried Onions in a spacious mixing bowl.
4. Integrate the cooked spaghetti into the creamy chicken concoction, ensuring thorough and even distribution throughout the mixture.
5. Transfer the complete mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
6. Embellish the casserole’s surface with an abundant sprinkle of remaining Monterey Jack cheese, then crown with the final portion of crispy French Fried Onions.
7. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and roast uncovered for 40-50 minutes, monitoring until the top achieves a golden-brown hue and the interior reaches a steaming, bubbling temperature.

Notes

• Swap cream of chicken soup for a gluten-free alternative to make the dish celiac-friendly.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce fat content and add protein boost.
• Experiment with different protein options like turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken for varied flavor profiles.
• Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for those who enjoy a spicy kick to elevate the dish’s complexity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 470 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg