Description
Monterey chicken spinach bake brings Mediterranean comfort to classic dinner tables with its creamy, cheesy layers. Melted mozzarella, tender chicken, and fresh spinach combine for a hearty meal that satisfies hungry families in one delightful casserole.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 1 10-ounce package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
Pasta and Cheese:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) dried spaghetti
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- 1 6-ounce (170 grams) can French’s French Fried Onions, divided
Sauce and Seasoning:
- 1 16-ounce (454 grams) container sour cream
- 2 10.5-ounce (298 grams) cans unsalted cream of chicken soup
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F (176C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook spaghetti in boiling water until perfectly tender, then drain and set aside for later incorporation.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, blend shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, thoroughly drained spinach, and minced garlic until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Fold in one portion of Monterey Jack cheese, stirring gently to create a cohesive mixture.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the chicken mixture, tossing carefully to ensure every strand is well-coated with the creamy sauce.
- Carefully transfer the entire combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a smooth surface.
- Generously sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese across the top of the casserole.
- Distribute the French Fried Onions uniformly over the cheese layer for a crunchy, golden topping.
- Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes, monitoring until the casserole becomes bubbling hot and the onions turn a rich, golden brown.
Notes
- Creamy and comforting casserole that combines tender chicken, pasta, and spinach in a rich, cheesy sauce.
- Perfect weeknight dinner that comes together quickly with minimal prep and uses convenient pantry staples.
- Monterey Jack cheese and French Fried Onions create a crispy, golden topping with irresistible texture and flavor.
- Easily customizable by swapping spinach with other vegetables or using different types of cheese.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, reheating in the microwave or oven.
- Make ahead by assembling the casserole and refrigerating until ready to bake, adding 10-15 minutes to cooking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg