This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti is rich and creamy with big chunks of chicken and full of flavor. If you love easy, cheesy pasta dishes then this is the recipe for you.
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Why you'll love this recipe
This cheesy chicken recipe is so easy to make. It is creamy and delicious! It's ready in under an hour, which makes it perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the exact measurements for this easy chicken casserole, please refer to the printable recipe card below.
Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 9 ounces package frozen spinach thawed, squeeze to remove excess water
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 21 ounces cream of chicken soup (that's two 10.5 ounce cans)
- 12 ounce evaporated milk
- 1 ounce ranch dressing packet
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
- 3 oz crunchy fried onions about half a can
Instructions
- Pre heat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13 casserole dish with non stick cooking spray.
- Break the spaghetti into thirds and cook pasta according to package directions to al dente. Drain well.
- Drain the spinach well. Squeeze out excess water between two paper towels.
- Use a large mixing bowl or the pot you boiled the spaghetti it. Combine the evaporated milk, chicken soup, ricotta cheese and ranch dressing. Whisk until smooth.
- Stir in the chicken, spinach and Monterrey Jack cheese,
- Toss the spaghetti with the cheesy sauce.
- Transfer to the baking dish and top with fried onions. Cover with foil. Place in pre heated oven.
- Bake for 20 minutes remove foil. Return to oven for another five minutes, or until onions are crisp and golden brown
Notes
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Nutrition
Instructions
This is a visual overview for the Monterey Chicken Recipe. Check the recipe card for the instructions.
FAQ's
Yes, you can. However, the evaporated milk really makes this casserole extra creamy.
Yes, you can. Just make sure to chop or shred the chicken before adding it to your casserole.
Yes, you can use cheddar cheese or even mozzarella cheese. Use your favorite cheese, it should work well in this recipe.
Tips
- This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and covered with foil and stored in the fridge until you are ready to make it. Just be sure not to add the fried onions until you're ready to bake it.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce add a splash of chicken broth to the cheesy sauce.
- Don't forget to salt your pasta water when you are cooking your pasta! It really gives your pasta great flavor.
Variations
- Switch out the cooked chicken with cooked ham for a different twist.
- Add in your favorite cooked vegetables, like mushrooms, or broccoli.
- Not a fan of spinach? Leave it out! Top with thinly sliced green onions for a light onion flavor.
- Change up the cheese in this recipe and use your favorite. For example Mexican blend or cheddar cheese would taste great. Sub the fried onions for parmesan cheese - yum!
- If you enjoy whole wheat pasta, it will work great in this recipe.
Related recipes
Still looking for a family favorite? Be sure to try these new chicken casserole recipes!
- This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta recipe is another creamy chicken dish that you may want to try.
- Creamy Taco Spaghetti Casserole is SO GOOD! Sub it out for your next Taco Tuesday!
- Of course you need to try the original Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel Tomatoes - filled with cheesy pasta goodness!
- If you love cheesy chicken recipes like this, I think you will enjoy this Cheesy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole recipe
- Chicken Noodle Casserole is hearty and comforting is makes for a filling family-friendly meal.
Not what you're looking for? You'll lots of casseroles here!
Serve with
- This Monterey Chicken Spaghetti recipe would be so tasty when served with a green salad and some freshly baked rolls.
- Other suggestions would be green vegetables like green beans or brussel sprouts.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies go with every meal if you ask me! You can't go wrong by ending your meal with this Snickers Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe.
Looking for more ideas? Click here for 50+ ideas, What to Serve with Chicken Spaghetti Casserole.
This is one of those easy, cheesy meals that'll have everyone asking for seconds-and maybe even fighting over leftovers (ask me how I know😋)! Whether it's a busy weeknight or you're feeding a hungry crowd, this dish is always a hit.
If you give this recipe a try, I'd love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below, snap a photo and tag me on Facebook or Instagram, or give it a 5-star rating if it's a keeper in your house too. Your feedback helps more folks find my recipes-and keeps the casseroles coming!
Julie Bruce says
Awesome recipe! Added mushrooms and if you normally don’t have seconds, you will with this, just a little more please! Thank you for sharing this recipe 😋🥰👍
Debra Clark says
Pass the casserole please, I'll have another serving! 😋 Glad it was a hit Julie, it's one of my favorites!
Debbie E. Lopez says
I made this for my Bunco Ladies Luncheon, they absolutely loved it!!!
Debra Clark says
That's awesome, glad it was a hit Deb! I'm such a fan of spinach, this one has always been a favorite of mine as well. Thanks for sharing!!
Janet Boyce-Ahlbrandt says
Just tried Monterey Chicken and it was perfect! My husband had teeth removed a few weeks ago so having to cook soft foods. This has all his favorites and he truly enjoyed it. Glad I found you, will be checking in often.
Debra Clark says
That's awesome, Janet; I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe! It's one of my favorites!! Thanks for swinging back to leave a comment. I really appreciate hearing from you and your support of the blog. Best wishes for quick healing for your hubby!
Lois says
We had this meal a few weeks ago and was just so satisfying loved it. Making again very soon.
Debra Clark says
I love the spinach mixed with the cheesy sauce. It's the best! thanks for sharing!
Barbara Beasy says
Can you substitute cottage cheese for the ricotta? Have you ever tried cottage cheese in this recipe?
Bowl Me Over says
Though I haven't tried cottage cheese, but it would work in this recipe. The tangy flavor would be excellent! Another thing I've done if I'm using cottage cheese is run it through the food processor and that gets rid of the curds. Not necessary, but just a tip. Happy Holidays Barbara!
Jill says
You have 20 oz can cream of chicken then underneath 2 cans do you use 2 20 or can?
Bowl Me Over says
Sorry for the confusion Jill. I've corrected the recipe card. You'll use two 10.5 ounce cans - 21 ounces total.