Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—a hearty, baked dish combining tender chicken, creamy Monterey Jack cheese, and savory spinach with spaghetti noodles. Topped with crispy French-fried onions, it offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Packed with protein and veggies, this cheesy casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. If you’re a fan of rich, flavorful casseroles, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Convenient & Versatile: Perfect for using up leftover chicken and customizable with your favorite veggies or cheeses.
Nutritious Boost: The addition of spinach adds a pop of color and essential nutrients.
Crowd-Pleasing: Great for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for busy weeknights.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or bringing a dish to a potluck, this casserole is an easy, delicious option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

The Appeal of Casseroles

Casseroles are beloved for their simplicity and all-in-one convenience. With layers of carbs, protein, and cheese, they’re filling, comforting, and easy to prepare. The crispy French-fried onion topping takes this dish to the next level by adding a satisfying crunch to the creamy layers beneath.

Key Ingredients

1. Monterey Jack Cheese:
This mild, buttery cheese melts beautifully, creating a creamy texture that binds the casserole together without overpowering the other flavors.

2. Cooked Chicken:
Use about 4 cups of chopped chicken—rotisserie or leftovers work perfectly. Substitute grilled or roasted chicken for added flavor variety.

3. Sour Cream & Cream of Chicken Soup:
These two ingredients form the creamy base, with tangy sour cream complementing the richness of the soup. For a homemade touch, swap in a DIY cream of chicken soup.

4. Spinach & French-Fried Onions:
Frozen spinach adds nutrients and vibrant color, while French-fried onions deliver irresistible crunch.

How to Make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Preheat the Oven:
Heat to 350°F. Preheating ensures even cooking and a bubbly, golden topping.
Cook the Spaghetti:
Prepare the pasta al dente according to package instructions, reducing cooking time slightly. Toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, thawed spinach, Monterey Jack cheese, and garlic.
Mix with Pasta:
Gently fold the spaghetti into the creamy mixture until evenly coated.
Assemble & Add Toppings:
Spread the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with more cheese and French-fried onions for extra crunch.
Bake:
Bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Success

Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate for up to 48 hours before baking.
Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Customization: Add veggies like broccoli or bell peppers, or experiment with cheeses like cheddar or gouda.

Nutritional Highlights & Pairings

Each serving offers approximately 450 calories, 25g protein, and a boost of calcium and fiber. Pair with:

Salad: A tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up creamy bites.
Roasted Veggies: Asparagus or Brussels sprouts add balance and freshness.

Common Questions

Can I Use Fresh Spinach Instead of Frozen?
Yes! Use 2–3 cups of fresh spinach, lightly sautéed to remove moisture.

Can This Be Made Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute gluten-free pasta and cream of chicken soup.

What Other Cheeses Can I Use?
Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses work well for different flavors and textures.

How Do I Store Leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze for up to three months. Reheat at 350°F until warmed through.

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a go-to dish for its creamy, cheesy goodness and easy preparation. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again!

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Recipe by snackonmeat

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

305

kcal

Total time

hour

minutes

This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is comfort food at its best! Tender spaghetti is paired with juicy chicken, creamy Monterey Jack cheese, and a tangy blend of sour cream and cream of chicken soup, all topped with crispy French-fried onions for the ultimate cozy dish.

Ingredients

12 oz dried spaghetti
4 cups cooked chicken, chopped
1 (16 oz) container sour cream
2 (10.5 oz) cans unsalted cream of chicken soup
1 (10 oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (6 oz) can French-fried onions, divided

Directions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Cook the Spaghetti:
Prepare the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, drained spinach, 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese, minced garlic, and half of the French-fried onions. Mix until well combined.
Combine with Pasta:
Gently fold the cooked spaghetti into the chicken mixture, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Add Toppings:
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the casserole. Top with the remaining French-fried onions.
Bake:
Bake uncovered for 40–50 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the French-fried onions are golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy:
Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and serve warm. Enjoy this delicious casserole with your favorite side dishes!