Monterey Spaghetti is a comforting and flavorful baked pasta dish that's perfect for dinner. It's made with cooked spaghetti, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and spinach, giving it a creamy texture. The addition of crispy fried onions adds the perfect crunch on top. This dish is easy to prepare and makes for a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Serve it hot and enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness combined with the fresh spinach flavor. It's a great way to sneak some greens into a comforting dinner.
Looking for the perfect combination of cheesy comfort and healthy spinach? Monterey Spaghetti delivers both! This creamy baked spaghetti dish is loaded with Monterey Jack cheese, tender spinach, and topped with crispy fried onions for an extra crunch.
INGREDIENTS
- Spaghetti: 4 ounces, broken into 2-inch pieces and cooked for an easier-to-eat texture.
- Egg: 1 large, helps bind the ingredients together.
- Sour cream: 1 cup, adds richness and creaminess to the dish.
- Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup grated, gives the dish a savory depth of flavor.
- Garlic powder: 1/4 teaspoon, adds a subtle garlicky kick.
- Monterey Jack cheese: 2 cups shredded, melts beautifully for a gooey, cheesy experience.
- Frozen spinach: 1 (10-ounce) package, thawed and drained, adds nutrition and texture.
- Crispy fried onions: 1 (2.8-ounce) can, divided, adds a crunchy topping.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 2-quart baking dish.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, beat the egg until well combined.
- Step 3:
- Add the sour cream, grated parmesan cheese, and garlic powder to the egg and mix thoroughly. This mixture forms the creamy base of the dish.
- Step 4:
- Add the cooked spaghetti, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, thawed spinach, and half of the crispy fried onions to the egg mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Step 5:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Step 6:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 30 minutes until the mixture is heated through.
- Step 7:
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions on top of the spaghetti mixture.
- Step 8:
- Bake uncovered for another 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden-brown and crispy.
- Step 9:
- Remove from the oven and serve the Monterey Spaghetti hot.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve Monterey Spaghetti hot, straight from the oven, for the best cheesy texture and flavor.
- This dish pairs perfectly with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave. To keep the fried onions crispy, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
Helpful Notes
- To make this dish lighter, you can substitute the sour cream with low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- If you prefer a different cheese, feel free to use mozzarella or cheddar instead of Monterey Jack.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to the mixture.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Ina Garten: Always use freshly grated cheese for the best melting consistency and flavor.
- Chef Gordon Ramsay: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Chef Rachael Ray: Adding spinach to pasta dishes is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies without compromising on flavor.