Spaghetti with Spinach & Cheese

Name: Spaghetti with Spinach & Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 ounces spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces, cooked; 1 large egg; 1 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded; 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained; 1 (2.8-ounce) can crispy fried onions, divided

Featured in Family Dinner Favorites.

This dish combines the best flavors of spaghetti, spinach, and cheese in a casserole-style meal. Cooked spaghetti is mixed with sour cream, Parmesan, Monterey Jack cheese, and garlic powder, alongside thawed spinach and crispy fried onions. Layered into a baking dish and baked until warm, this meal becomes a golden delight when topped with toasted fried onions. It's comforting, hearty, and perfect for any gathering or family dinner.

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By Aicha

Updated on Sun, 08 Jun 2025 00:22:46 GMT

spaghetti loaded with spinach | cookingflavor.com

This Monterey Spaghetti transforms ordinary pasta into a creamy, cheesy comfort food masterpiece that's become my go-to dish for potlucks and family gatherings. The combination of spinach and crispy fried onions creates a textural wonderland that elevates simple spaghetti to something truly special.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly chaotic holiday season when I needed something that would please both my vegetable-loving spouse and my cheese-obsessed children. Five years later it's still requested at nearly every family gathering, especially during the winter months.

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

The crispy fried onions are absolutely non-negotiable in this recipe. I once tried substituting them with caramelized fresh onions, and while still delicious, it lacked that distinctive textural contrast that makes this dish so addictive. My daughter actually complained that it wasn't the 'real' Monterey Spaghetti without that satisfying crunch on top!

Make Ahead Instructions

Vegetable Variations

Cheese Swaps

Serving Suggestions

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?: Yes, fresh spinach can be used. Wilt it in a pan to remove excess moisture before mixing it into the spaghetti mixture.
→ What can I use as a substitute for Monterey Jack cheese?: Colby, mozzarella, or a mix of mild cheeses can work as a substitute for Monterey Jack cheese.
→ How do I prevent the onions from burning during baking?: Keep the dish covered while baking and only add the fried onions during the final few minutes to ensure they turn golden without burning.
→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?: Yes, you can prepare the spaghetti mixture ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it just before serving for fresh results.
→ What side dishes pair well with this meal?: A crisp green salad or garlic bread pairs excellently with this hearty spaghetti dish.
→ How do I make it gluten-free?: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that your fried onions and other ingredients are labeled gluten-free.

Spaghetti with Spinach & Cheese

Savory spaghetti baked with spinach, cheese, and crispy onions for a comforting meal.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

35 Minutes

Total Time

50 Minutes

By: Aicha

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Pasta Base

01 4 ounces spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces, cooked

→ Binding and Creamy Elements

02 1 large egg

03 1 cup sour cream

04 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

05 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

→ Additional Ingredients

06 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

07 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained

08 1 (2.8-ounce) can crispy fried onions, divided

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 02

Grease a 2-quart baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 03

In a large bowl, beat the egg.

Step 04

Add the sour cream, parmesan cheese, and garlic powder to the beaten egg.

Step 05

Add the cooked spaghetti, Monterey Jack cheese, spinach, and half of the fried onions to the creamy mixture. Stir until evenly combined.

Step 06

Pour the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 07

Bake the spaghetti mixture, covered, for 30 minutes until heated through.

Step 08

Sprinkle the remaining fried onions over the top of the baked dish.

Step 09

Bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden-brown.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Ensure the spinach is fully thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.
Breaking the spaghetti into shorter pieces makes it easier to incorporate into the dish and serve.

Tools You'll Need

Large mixing bowl
2-quart baking dish
Oven

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.

Contains dairy (sour cream, parmesan cheese, Monterey Jack cheese)
Contains gluten (spaghetti)
Contains eggs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Calories: 320
Total Fat: 22.5 g
Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
Protein: 10.4 g

Aicha

Hello! I'm Aicha, and cooking is where my heart truly belongs. I've spent years discovering that amazing food comes from simple ingredients and straightforward techniques - it's all about adding those little touches that make a dish special. Through Cooking Flavor, I share recipes that I've tested and perfected in my own kitchen. My biggest joy is helping you discover how fun and rewarding cooking can be, whether you're making a quick weeknight dinner or something special for the weekend.

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