Description
The Monterey Chicken Spinach Bake is a creamy, cheesy delight that combines hearty chicken and spinach with the rich textures of Monterey Jack cheese and a crispy onion topping. Perfect for those seeking comfort food with a sophisticated twist, this recipe is ideal for family meals or festive gatherings, guaranteeing satisfaction for both children and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces dried spaghetti
- 4 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 1 16-ounce container sour cream
- 2 10.5-ounce cans unsalted cream of chicken soup
- 1 10-ounce package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 6-ounce can French’s French Fried Onions, divided
Step-by-step Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350F (176C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly spraying it with cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Pasta
Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, drained spinach, 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese, minced garlic, and half a can of French Fried Onions.
4. Combine Pasta and Mixture
Stir the cooked spaghetti into the large bowl with the chicken mixture until well combined.
5. Add Toppings
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top, followed by the rest of the French Fried Onions.
6. Bake
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the onions are golden brown.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe serves approximately 8 people. The total preparation time, including cooking, is about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Cool the casserole completely and cover it with foil or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350F until it is heated through, about 20-30 minutes. If reheating from frozen, increase the time as needed and consider covering with foil to prevent excessive browning.
Conclusion
The Monterey Chicken Spinach Bake offers a delicious and comforting meal option that is both easy to prepare and gratifying. With its creamy base, rich cheese, and crispy onion topping, this bake is a delightful twist on traditional casseroles. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish promises to please any palate.
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Monterey Chicken Spinach Bake
- Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
The Monterey Chicken Spinach Bake is a creamy, cheesy delight that combines hearty chicken and spinach with the rich textures of Monterey Jack cheese and a crispy onion topping. Perfect for those seeking comfort food with a sophisticated twist, this recipe is ideal for family meals or festive gatherings, guaranteeing satisfaction for both children and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces dried spaghetti
- 4 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 1 16-ounce container sour cream
- 2 10.5-ounce cans unsalted cream of chicken soup
- 1 10-ounce package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 6-ounce can French’s French Fried Onions, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven Start by heating your oven to 350F (176C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly spraying it with cooking spray.
- Prepare the Pasta Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Mix Ingredients In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, drained spinach, 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese, minced garlic, and half a can of French Fried Onions.
- Combine Pasta and Mixture Stir the cooked spaghetti into the large bowl with the chicken mixture until well combined.
- Add Toppings Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top, followed by the rest of the French Fried Onions.
- Bake Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the onions are golden brown.