Origins and Popularity of Chicken Spaghetti Casseroles :
The casserole is a quintessential American dish with roots dating back to the early 20th century. Initially, casseroles were a way to make use of leftovers by combining them with a creamy sauce and baking them in the oven. Over time, casseroles evolved to become more than just a thrifty meal solution, transitioning into beloved family dinners due to their simplicity, versatility, and ability to feed a crowd.
Chicken spaghetti casseroles, like the Monterey Chicken Spaghetti, are particularly popular across the Southern United States. This version of a chicken casserole introduces the smooth flavor of Monterey Jack cheese, enhancing the creamy texture typical of traditional casseroles. Adding French’s Fried Onions on top gives it a satisfying crunch that elevates the dish.
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients
Scale
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
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. 🔥
2️⃣ Prepare the Pasta:
Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. 🍝
3️⃣ 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. 🥄
4️⃣ Combine Pasta and Mixture:
Stir the cooked spaghetti into the chicken mixture until fully combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. 🍲
5️⃣ Add Toppings:
Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese over the pasta mixture, then top with the rest of the French Fried Onions. 🧅🧀
6️⃣ Bake:
Bake uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes, until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the onions are golden brown. 🍽️⏳