Monterey Spaghetti

Monterey Spaghetti is a cozy baked pasta dish made with tender spaghetti, creamy sour cream, spinach, Parmesan, and plenty of melted Monterey Jack cheese. A crunchy layer of French-fried onions on top adds a savory finish that makes every bite satisfying.

This easy casserole comes together with simple ingredients and is a great choice for a comforting weeknight dinner or a side dish for a family meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
• Creamy and cheesy: Sour cream, Parmesan, and Monterey Jack create a rich, creamy texture.
• A great way to add spinach: Frozen chopped spinach blends easily into the pasta mixture.
• Crunchy topping: French-fried onions add texture and a savory bite.
• Great for family meals: It works well as a main dish or a hearty side.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Category: Main Course, Casserole
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 4 ounces spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
• 1 can (2.8 ounces) French-fried onions, divided

How to Make Monterey Spaghetti

1. Cook the Spaghetti

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broken spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until just tender. Drain well and set aside.

2. Prepare the Creamy Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder until smooth.

Add the cooked spaghetti, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and drained spinach. Stir until everything is evenly combined.

3. Assemble the Casserole

Lightly grease a medium baking dish. Transfer the spaghetti mixture to the dish and spread it into an even layer.

Sprinkle about half of the French-fried onions over the top.

4. Bake

Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted.

Sprinkle the remaining French-fried onions over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, just until the onions are crisp and lightly golden.

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips for Success

• Drain the spinach well. Excess water can make the casserole loose or watery.
• Don’t overcook the spaghetti. Cooking it just until tender helps prevent mushy pasta after baking.
• Use freshly shredded Monterey Jack when possible. It melts smoothly and gives the casserole a creamy texture.
• Add the onions in two stages. This keeps some of the topping crisp instead of allowing all of it to soften during baking.
• Let it rest briefly. A few minutes of resting makes the casserole easier to serve.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Spaghetti: You can use thin spaghetti, linguine, or another pasta you have available.
• Sour cream: Plain Greek yogurt can be used for a slightly tangier alternative.
• Monterey Jack: Pepper Jack can be used if you want a little heat.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach can be cooked, cooled, and chopped before adding.
• French-fried onions: For a different topping, try seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with a little Parmesan.

Recipe Variations

Add Chicken

Stir in 1 to 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken to turn this casserole into a more substantial main dish.

Make It Spicy

Use Pepper Jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack and add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

Add More Vegetables

Chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli can be cooked and mixed into the casserole along with the spinach.

Add Extra Cheese

For an especially cheesy casserole, add a little extra Monterey Jack or a blend of Monterey Jack and mozzarella.

What to Serve With Monterey Spaghetti

Monterey Spaghetti works well as a vegetarian main dish or as a side alongside:

• Grilled chicken
• Roasted chicken
• Baked salmon
• Green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Garlic bread

How to Store

Let the casserole cool, then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the casserole in a covered baking dish in a 350°F oven until heated through.

Can You Freeze Monterey Spaghetti?

Yes. For best results, assemble the casserole without the French-fried onion topping and freeze it tightly covered for up to 2 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake until heated through. Add the French-fried onions during the final few minutes of baking so they stay crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes. Cook the fresh spinach until wilted, then cool and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible before adding it to the pasta mixture.

Can I make Monterey Spaghetti ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add the French-fried onions just before baking for the best texture.

Why is my spaghetti casserole watery?

The most common reason is excess moisture from the spinach. Make sure the thawed spinach is squeezed and drained thoroughly before mixing it with the other ingredients.

Can I use another cheese?

Absolutely. Monterey Jack melts especially well, but Pepper Jack, mozzarella, or a mild cheddar can also work.

Is Monterey Spaghetti a main dish or side dish?

It can be either. Serve it as a meatless main course with a salad and vegetables, or serve smaller portions alongside chicken, beef, or seafood.

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutrition per serving, based on 4 servings and without additional ingredients:

Calories: 520
Protein: 24g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 700mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Final Thoughts

Monterey Spaghetti is the kind of comforting casserole that turns a handful of everyday ingredients into a warm, cheesy family meal. The creamy spinach-filled pasta pairs especially well with the crisp French-fried onion topping, giving the dish a nice contrast in texture.

It’s easy enough for a weeknight but comforting enough to serve at a family dinner or casual gathering.

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