Craving a warm, comforting dish that brings the whole family together? Look no further than Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole! This delightful fusion of tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, and melty Monterey Jack cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With a creamy, flavorful sauce and a crispy bacon topping, this casserole is the ultimate in cozy, satisfying meals.

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole has its roots in the classic combination of chicken, pasta, and cheese that has long been a favorite among home cooks. By bringing together these beloved ingredients in a single baked dish, this recipe creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will have your taste buds singing. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly weeknight dinner or a comforting dish to serve at a potluck, this Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is sure to become a new favorite.

Ingredients Needed for Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

To make this delectable casserole, you’ll need a handful of simple, common ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Let’s break down the key components:

Spaghetti: The foundation of this dish, spaghetti provides the perfect base for the creamy, cheesy sauce and tender chicken. Choose your preferred type of spaghetti, whether it’s traditional semolina or a gluten-free alternative.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced cooked chicken adds protein and heartiness to the casserole. You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even grilled or baked chicken breasts.
Monterey Jack Cheese: The star of the show, Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully and lends a rich, creamy texture to the casserole. Its mild flavor complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a tangy richness that balances the dish and helps create a luxuriously creamy sauce.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This classic canned soup is the secret to the casserole’s velvety smooth sauce. It provides creaminess and a savory chicken flavor.
Turkey Bacon: Crispy, crumbled turkey bacon adds a delightful smoky and salty crunch to the top of the casserole.
Garlic Powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to taste ensure the casserole is perfectly seasoned.
Chopped Parsley: A fresh, vibrant garnish that adds a pop of color and a touch of herbal flavor.

How to Make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Preparing this delightful casserole is a breeze! Follow these easy steps for a mouthwatering Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole:

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
Shred the Chicken: If you’re using cooked chicken breasts, shred or dice them into bite-sized pieces.
Mix the Casserole Base: In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Assemble the Casserole: Spread the spaghetti mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese and the crumbled turkey bacon.
Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Once the casserole is out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top. Serve the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole warm and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions for Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can easily pair it with a variety of delicious accompaniments to create an even more satisfying dining experience. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or a simple steamed vegetable side dish. The creamy, cheesy flavors of the casserole pair beautifully with the crisp, fresh elements of a salad or the warm, crusty texture of garlic bread.

When it comes to leftovers, Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole reheats exceptionally well. Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop the casserole back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual servings for a quick and easy meal.

Nutritional Information for Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

One serving of Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole (1/8 of the recipe) contains approximately:

Calories: 420
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 780mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Protein: 27g

This casserole is a hearty, satisfying dish that provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. The Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup contribute to the rich, creamy texture, while the turkey bacon and spaghetti provide a pleasant contrast in both flavor and texture.

For a healthier twist, you can try using low-fat or reduced-sodium versions of the cheese and soup. Swapping in whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta can also boost the nutritional profile. Additionally, you can increase the vegetable content by adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced bell peppers to the casserole.

FAQs About Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

1. What ingredients do I need for Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole?

To make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, you will typically need the following ingredients:

Cooked spaghetti
Cooked and diced chicken (grilled or rotisserie chicken works well)
Cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
Green onions or bell peppers (optional)
Seasonings like garlic powder, salt, and pepper

2. Can I make Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time. Assemble the casserole as directed, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, remove the cover and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

3. Can I substitute any ingredients in the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole?

Absolutely! You can customize the casserole according to your taste or dietary preferences. For example, you can use different types of cheese such as cheddar or pepper jack, substitute the chicken with cooked ground turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option, or use gluten-free pasta if needed. You can also add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.

4. How do I store leftovers of Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole?

To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

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Conclusion

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together the best of chicken, pasta, and cheese in a single, satisfying meal. With its creamy sauce, melty cheese, and crispy bacon topping, this casserole is sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering, Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a delicious and versatile recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to enjoy this delightful, cheesy pasta bake!

Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Author: Time of Recipes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Craving a warm, comforting dish that brings the whole family together? Look no further than Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole! This delightful fusion of tender chicken, al dente spaghetti, and melty Monterey Jack cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With a creamy, flavorful sauce and a crispy bacon topping, this casserole is the ultimate in cozy, satisfying meals.

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces spaghetti
2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
1 cup sour cream
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup turkey bacon (cooked and crumbled)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Shred the Chicken: If using cooked chicken breasts, shred or dice them into bite-sized pieces.
Mix the Casserole Base: In a large bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup of Monterey Jack cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
Assemble the Casserole: Spread the spaghetti mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of Monterey Jack cheese and crumbled turkey bacon.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and edges are bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and serve warm. Enjoy!

Notes

For a healthier twist, consider using low-fat or reduced-sodium versions of the cheese and soup.
Swap in whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta to boost the nutritional profile.
Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced bell peppers for extra nutrition.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Monterey Chicken, Spaghetti Casserole, Comfort Food