Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, crave-worthy casserole that puts a modern spin on classic comfort, this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is about to become your new weeknight favorite! Creamy, cheesy, and laced with tender chicken and a pop of spinach, every bite is a burst of savory goodness that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is how it transforms a handful of everyday ingredients into something magical. Each element does its part—lending flavor, body, or that signature cheesy melt—so you get layers of taste and texture in every bite.

• Spaghetti (12 oz): The classic base, cooked al dente—try not to overcook, as it will soften further in the oven.
• Chicken Breasts (2, cooked and chopped): Tender chunks of chicken make this hearty; rotisserie or leftover chicken works beautifully!
• Monterey Jack Cheese (1 cup, shredded): The star cheese, ultra-melty and mild, for that creamy pull in every forkful.
• Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): Adds savory depth and that irresistible salty finish.
• Sour Cream (1 cup): An absolute must for creaminess—Greek yogurt can sub in a pinch, but sour cream is classic here.
• Egg (1, beaten): Helps bind everything together, so you get perfect, scoopable slices.
• Frozen Chopped Spinach (10 oz, thawed and well-drained): Don’t skip draining—packed spinach sneaks in extra nutrition and color.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced or 1 tbsp garlic powder): Fresh or garlic powder both lend aromatic punch.
• Cream of Chicken Soup (2 cans, 10 oz each): The reliable shortcut for creamy, savory sauce.
• Onion Powder (1 tsp): Boosts flavor in every bite—even if the kids claim they “don’t like onions.”
• French Fried Onions (6 oz, divided): The magic crunch and irresistible topping—half goes inside for flavor, half on top for crunch!

Variations

The beauty of Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is its flexibility! It’s so easy to make it your own—swap ingredients or adjust to fit picky eaters, special diets, or what’s on hand in the fridge.

• Spice It Up: Toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a gentle heat.
• Make It Meatless: Skip the chicken and double the spinach (or add sautéed mushrooms and bell pepper) for a satisfying vegetarian twist.
• Go Low-Carb: Substitute cooked spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles for traditional spaghetti to reduce carbs and add veggie goodness.
• Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack or a bit of sharp cheddar for a bolder cheesy flavor or to use up bits of cheese hiding in the fridge.

How to Make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Begin by boiling the spaghetti according to the package directions. Go for just-shy-of-al-dente; since the pasta will cook again in the casserole, this keeps it from turning mushy. Drain and set aside—you’ll mix it all together soon!

Step 2: Make the Cheesy Chicken Mixture

While the pasta cooks, grab a large mixing bowl. Beat the egg first—this step is key for even mixing—then stir in your chopped cooked chicken, sour cream, both the cream of chicken soups, shredded Monterey Jack and Parmesan, thawed spinach (well-drained!), garlic, onion powder, and half of the fried onions. Mix until everything is happily coated and combined.

Step 3: Combine Spaghetti with the Mixture

Add the drained spaghetti right into your chicken mixture and toss everything together. You want the noodles coated and surrounded by the creamy, cheesy goodness—gentle tossing works best to keep the pasta intact and everything evenly distributed.

Step 4: Transfer and Bake

Spoon or pour your Monterey Chicken Spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it gently so the top is level. Cover tightly with foil and bake in a 350ºF oven for 30 minutes—this gets everything hot, bubbly, and delicious!

Step 5: Top with Onions and Finish Baking

Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining fried onions evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven for another 5 minutes, just until the onions are crispy and golden brown (watch closely—they brown quickly!). Let it rest a minute before serving—this helps the creamy sauce set for perfect slices.

How to Serve Monterey Chicken Spaghetti

Garnishes

For that extra wow factor, sprinkle a little extra shredded parmesan, a dusting of chopped fresh parsley, or even some sliced green onions right before serving. The pop of color and fresh flavor is such a simple upgrade for Monterey Chicken Spaghetti, and it turns even weeknight dinner into something you’ll want to show off!

Side Dishes

This creamy, hearty dish loves a crisp green salad alongside—or serve with a platter of roasted broccoli or garlic green beans for some extra veg. Classic garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up every last bit of that dreamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try scooping the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti into individual ramekins for personal servings at a family gathering, or offer as part of a potluck buffet. For an elegant touch, a sprinkle of crushed fried onions around the edge of the platter and a few curls of parmesan make it dinner-party ready without any fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Monterey Chicken Spaghetti can be covered and refrigerated for up to 4 days. Just be sure the casserole has cooled to room temperature first, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container to keep every bite fresh.

Freezing

This dish freezes very well! Assemble the casserole (without the final layer of fried onions), wrap tightly, and freeze up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, bake as directed, and add the onions just before finishing in the oven for that irresistible crunch.

Reheating

Reheat portions in the microwave, covered loosely with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. For a big batch, cover the casserole with foil and warm gently in a 325ºF oven until hot. Add fresh fried onions if you want to recapture that original crispiness!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I promise—one bite of this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti and you’ll see why it’s been a staple at my table for years. Cozy, creamy, and packed with flavor, it’s the kind of dish you can share with friends, bring to a potluck, or save for a night when you want something easy and soul-warming. Give it a try and make it yours; I can’t wait for you to taste the magic!

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