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Delicious Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Bake topped with cheese and herbs

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Bake

A delightful fusion of baked pasta, Monterey Jack cheese, tender chicken, and wholesome spinach, topped with crispy French’s fried onions.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 3 cups rotisserie or diced cooked chicken Juicy, tender, and full of flavor.
  • 1 lb. spaghetti (or linguini, fettuccini, or bucatini) Perfect pasta for the creamy sauce.
  • 2 cans cream of chicken soup Each can is 10.5 oz.
  • 1 container sour cream Adds tangy creaminess.
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced Infuses the bake with aromatic depth.
  • 10 oz bag frozen spinach, thawed and well-drained Adds nutritious green goodness.
  • 3 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded Melting cheese for rich flavor.
  • 1 can French’s fried onions For a crunchy finish on top.
  • 1 tablespoon Butter or non-cooking spray For greasing the baking dish.
  • to taste Salt and pepper To elevate flavors.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Butter a 9×13 casserole dish generously to prevent sticking.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, then reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
  • To the pot with the drained spaghetti, add the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, thawed spinach, minced garlic, 1.5 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well until thoroughly combined.

Assembly

  • Gently fold in the cooked chicken, ensuring every piece is coated in the savory mixture. If the mixture seems too thick, gradually add in the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
  • Pour the creamy pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
  • Top with the remaining Monterey Jack cheese and sprinkle the French’s fried onions over the top.

Baking

  • Bake uncovered for about 40 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and lightly browned.

Notes

Consider using low-sodium cream of chicken soup for a healthier option. You can prep ingredients ahead of time to save time during busy nights.
Keyword Cheesy Casserole, Chicken Bake, Comfort Food, Family Dinner, Pasta Bake