Description
This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and hearty baked dish combining tender cooked chicken, creamy sour cream and cream of chicken soup, nutritious spinach, and cheesy Monterey Jack for a delicious family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz dried spaghetti
Chicken and Vegetables
- 4 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 1 (10-oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Dairy and Sauce
- 1 (16-oz) container sour cream
- 2 (10.5-oz) cans Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
Toppings
- 1 (6-oz) can French’s French Fried Onions, divided
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well to remove all excess water.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked spaghetti with chopped cooked chicken, thawed and drained spinach, minced garlic, sour cream, both cans of cream of chicken soup, and 1 cup of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch pan and spread evenly.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly on top, followed by half of the French fried onions.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
- Final Touch: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining French fried onions on top for added crunch and flavor.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole warm.
Notes
- Ensure the spinach is well drained to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced green chilies.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- To make it lower in fat, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.
