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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with non-stick spray.
- Transform spaghetti into an al dente texture by boiling according to package guidelines, then drain and reserve.
- 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.
- Integrate the cooked spaghetti into the creamy chicken concoction, ensuring thorough and even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the complete mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
- 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.
- 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