Cheesy Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Bake

Looking for a dish that’s sure to impress and satisfy your cravings? Look no further than this delightful Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Delight! This creamy and bubbly bake is loaded with tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and gooey Monterey Jack cheese, all enveloped in a luscious cream of chicken sauce. The finishing touch of crispy French fried onions adds a fun and crunchy texture to every bite.

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Delight is my go-to recipe for busy weeknights or when I need a comforting meal that feels special. With its rich and cheesy goodness, coupled with the satisfying crunch of those crispy onions, this dish is always a hit with family and friends. Plus, the convenience of using everyday ingredients makes it a breeze to whip up, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy your meal. So, whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply craving a hearty dinner, this bake is sure to hit the spot!

Quick Benefits

• Easy to throw together using everyday groceries you can grab at any store
• Smooth, rich, and loaded with cheesy goodness that always goes over well
• Crunchy onion topping keeps every forkful interesting
• Packs up nicely for the next day’s lunch whether hot or cold

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe

• Rich and Creamy: This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Delight boasts a smooth and rich texture thanks to the combination of sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and melted Monterey Jack cheese.
• Crunchy and Flavorful: The crispy French fried onions on top provide a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor in each bite.
• Easy Weeknight Meal: With simple ingredients that can be found at any grocery store, this recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.
• One-Pan Wonder: Cooks up in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze and perfect for busy days.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or feeding the family, this dish is sure to be a hit with its gooey cheese and flavorful chicken.
• Versatile Ingredients: Swap out ingredients such as cheese, greens, or protein to cater to personal preferences or what’s available in your pantry.
• Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Prep in advance for gatherings or make extra for leftovers; this dish reheats well and can be frozen for up to two months.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy goodness and crunchy topping, making it a great option for family meals or lunchboxes.
• Customizable: Pair with a salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal, and experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients for Cheesy Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Bake

Main ingredients

• 960 millilitres cooked chicken, diced up
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 200 grams Monterey Jack cheese, grated and separated
• 340 grams dried spaghetti noodles
• 595 grams unsalted cream of chicken soup
• 475 grams sour cream
• 170 grams French Fried Onions, split in half
• 280 grams frozen spinach, defrosted and well squeezed dry

Pro Tips for Cheesy Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Bake

Pro Tip 1: To ensure a creamy and delicious casserole, be sure to press out all the moisture from the thawed spinach before adding it to the dish. This will prevent any excess liquid from watering down the sauce and keep the casserole nice and firm.

Pro Tip 2: For the perfect cheesy melt, shred your own Monterey Jack cheese instead of using pre-shredded. This will result in a smoother and more even melt, giving your casserole that gooey texture everyone loves.

Pro Tip 3: Letting the casserole sit for about 10 minutes after baking allows it to set and makes it easier to cut into neat squares. This resting time also helps the flavors meld together for a more delicious dish.

How to Make Cheesy Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Bake

Step 1: Step 01

Place the dish in the oven, uncovered, and bake in the center for 40 to 50 minutes until the top is crispy, golden, and the dish is hot and gooey throughout.

Step 2: Step 02

Sprinkle the remaining French Fried Onions and Monterey Jack cheese evenly on top of the casserole to cover all areas.

Step 3: Step 03

Spread the mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.

Step 4: Step 04

Combine the drained spaghetti with the chicken mixture, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated.

Step 5: Step 05

Combine chopped chicken, sour cream, unsalted cream of chicken soup, dry spinach, 100 grams Monterey Jack cheese, chopped garlic, and 85 grams onions in a large bowl. Mix well.

Step 6: Step 06

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until just tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 7: Step 07

Preheat oven to 175°C and grease a 33 x 23 cm pan with non-stick spray.

Storage Tips

Once the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Delight has been prepared and served, any leftovers can be stored by wrapping them tightly or placing them in a sealed container in the refrigerator. The dish will stay fresh for up to three days, making it a convenient option for quick and easy meals. If you wish to keep it for a longer period, you can also freeze it in a sturdy freezer-safe dish for up to two months. Simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it covered to retain the crispiness of the topping.

For variations or substitutions, you can customize the dish according to your preferences. If Monterey Jack cheese is unavailable, mozzarella or a mild cheddar can be used as alternatives. Similarly, fresh spinach can be swapped for curly kale or Swiss chard if desired. When pressed for time, turkey breast or rotisserie chicken make great substitutes for cooked chicken. Additionally, for a tangier flavor, Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream. Pair the dish with a bright lemony salad or soft garlic bread to balance out the creaminess, or serve it alongside minestrone or tomato soup at gatherings for a well-rounded meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have Monterey Jack cheese, mozzarella or a milder cheddar can be used as substitutes for a similar cheesy melt. For the spinach, consider swapping it out for curly kale or Swiss chard if you want a different flavor profile. In a pinch, turkey breast or rotisserie chicken can be excellent alternatives to diced cooked chicken, especially for a quicker meal prep. To add a tangy twist, Greek yogurt can replace sour cream in the recipe.

When serving the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Delight, consider pairing it with a crisp salad with a zesty lemon dressing to balance out the creaminess. Soft garlic bread or steamed broccoli can also complement the dish well. For a larger gathering, consider serving this casserole alongside minestrone soup or classic tomato soup for a well-rounded meal. Remember to make ingredient substitutions based on personal preferences and dietary restrictions for a customized dish that suits your taste.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist on serving Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Delight, try layering individual portions in small ramekins before baking. This creates a personalized and visually appealing presentation for guests to enjoy. Top each ramekin with a generous sprinkle of French Fried Onions for an extra crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta underneath.

Another creative serving suggestion is to transform the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti into a pasta bake bar for a casual gathering. Set out bowls of additional toppings such as extra shredded Monterey Jack cheese, chopped fresh herbs, diced tomatoes, and even some crispy bacon bits. Allow guests to customize their own portion of the pasta bake before popping it under the broiler to melt everything together. This interactive and customizable approach adds a fun and social element to the meal!

FAQs for Cheesy Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Bake

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen spinach in this recipe?

Absolutely—just cook and squeeze out the water from fresh spinach, then use what you like.

What type of chicken should I use for this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti?

Leftover rotisserie or cooked chicken breast both mix in easily and taste awesome here.

How should I store leftovers of this dish?

Pop any extra in the fridge for up to 3 days, covered tight. Just warm it up in the microwave or oven when you’re hungry again.

Can I substitute Monterey Jack cheese with another type of cheese?

Monterey Jack melts nicely, though cheddar or mozzarella add their own twist if you’re changing things up.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Delight is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a gathering with loved ones. The blend of creamy Monterey Jack cheese, tender chicken, and crispy French fried onions creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will surely have everyone coming back for seconds.

Don’t hesitate to try out this recipe and make it your own by incorporating your favorite ingredients or making simple swaps to suit your taste. Remember, the key to success with Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Delight lies in using quality ingredients and taking your time to layer the flavors for a dish that is as satisfying as it is delicious. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a delightful meal that is sure to become a family favorite in no time!