If you are craving a comforting, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing casserole, the Monterey Chicken Ravioli Bake Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish combines tender cooked chicken, creamy cheeses, perfectly cooked ravioli, and a luscious Alfredo sauce, all baked to bubbling golden perfection. It’s a one-pan wonder that effortlessly brings together great flavors and textures, making it perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a favorite to revisit again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, yet flavorful ingredients. Each component adds a layer of richness, creaminess, or zest that transforms simple ravioli into a delightful baked masterpiece.
- 4 cups cooked chopped chicken: Adds hearty protein and a savory base that complements the cheese perfectly.
- 1 (25-oz) package frozen cheese ravioli: The star ingredient that provides a soft, pillowy texture and cheesy goodness.
- 1 (15-oz) jar Alfredo sauce: Creamy and rich, it ties all the flavors together with smooth indulgence.
- 1 (8-oz) container sour cream: Gives the dish a subtle tang and extra creaminess that balances the richness.
- 1 (15-oz) container ricotta cheese: Adds a mild, velvety texture enhancing the overall cheesiness.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Provides a fragrant punch to elevate the savory notes.
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten): Helps bind the mixture together while adding a silky feel.
- 1 (0.7-oz) packet Italian Dressing Mix: Seasonal herbs and spices that brighten the flavors and add zesty complexity.
- 1 (10-oz) package frozen spinach (thawed and drained): Adds color, nutrition, and a slight earthiness.
- 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (divided): The bold, mellow melting cheese that creates the irresistible cheesy topping and pockets within.
- 1 (6-oz) can French fried onions (divided): Adds a lovely crispy texture and savory crunch to contrast the creaminess.
How to Make Monterey Chicken Ravioli Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF for that perfect baking temperature. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze; this simple step ensures your casserole will slide right out when served.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling
In a large bowl, stir ricotta cheese, sour cream, eggs, Alfredo sauce, and the Italian dressing mix until smooth and well combined. This blend is so creamy and flavorful, it creates the luscious base every bite needs for that signature Montana Chicken Ravioli Bake Recipe taste.
Step 3: Combine All the Ingredients
Next, fold in the shredded chicken, 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese, thawed and drained spinach, frozen cheese ravioli, minced garlic, and half of the French fried onions. Mix everything gently but thoroughly to make sure every ravioli piece is coated and every bite delivers that amazing mix of cheesy, herby, and savory delight.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Spread your delicious ravioli mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, followed by the rest of the French fried onions to create a crunchy, golden crust. Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and beautifully browned on top.
How to Serve Monterey Chicken Ravioli Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil on top right before serving adds a pop of color and a touch of herbal brightness that beautifully complements the creamy richness of the bake.
Side Dishes
This bake is a full meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread adds refreshing contrast and extra comfort. A simple Caesar salad or steamed roasted vegetables also make fantastic companions that balance out the indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets to serve personal portions. This can make your Monterey Chicken Ravioli Bake Recipe feel extra special and perfect for dinner parties or cozy family nights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, and the texture remains delightfully creamy with a slight puffiness from the cheese.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers before baking or freeze the whole dish tightly wrapped. It keeps well for up to 2 months, making it a perfect meal prep or time saver for busy nights.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350ºF for about 20 minutes or until warmed through and bubbly. Cover it loosely with foil to prevent over-browning. Alternatively, microwave individual servings until hot, though the oven offers the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh ravioli can work wonderfully here and may cut down on the bake time slightly. Just be sure not to overfill your dish since fresh ravioli tends to be more delicate.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
You can easily make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding extra spinach or mushrooms for that satisfying texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for the Italian Dressing Mix?
If you don’t have the packet handy, a blend of dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and a dash of garlic powder and onion powder will do the trick perfectly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
It’s a bit tricky because of all the creamy cheeses and Alfredo sauce, but using dairy-free ricotta alternatives, plant-based sour cream, and a dairy-free Alfredo sauce can make this recipe accessible to those avoiding dairy.
How important are the French fried onions in the recipe?
The onions add a fabulous crunchy contrast on top that really elevates the texture profile. If you want a different crunch, toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can work as substitutes.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully satisfying about a hot, cheesy bake that tastes like a warm hug on a plate. The Monterey Chicken Ravioli Bake Recipe is exactly that kind of comfort food, packed with flavor and heartiness that everyone at the table will adore. Give it a try soon—you might just find a new favorite go-to dish that’s as easy to love as it is to make.
Print
Monterey Chicken Ravioli Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Monterey Chicken Ravioli is a comforting baked casserole combining tender cooked chicken, cheese-filled ravioli, creamy Alfredo and ricotta sauce, savory spinach, and crunchy French fried onions. This hearty dish is perfect for a satisfying family meal with its rich flavors and melty Monterey Jack cheese topping.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chopped chicken
- 1 (25-oz) package frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 (15-oz) jar Alfredo sauce
- 1 (8-oz) container sour cream
- 1 (15-oz) container ricotta cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 (0.7-oz) packet Italian dressing mix
- 1 (10-oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
Cheese & Toppings
- 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- 1 (6-oz) can French fried onions, divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Prepare the sauce mixture: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, lightly beaten eggs, Alfredo sauce, and Italian dressing mix. Stir thoroughly to create a creamy, flavorful base for the casserole.
- Add main ingredients: To the creamy mixture, add the cooked chopped chicken, 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, thawed and drained spinach, frozen cheese ravioli, and half of the French fried onions. Stir everything together evenly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread the combined ravioli and chicken mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top, followed by half a can of the French fried onions for added texture and flavor.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
Notes
- Make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain the frozen spinach to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- You can substitute frozen cheese ravioli with fresh ravioli if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
- Use cooked chicken leftovers or rotisserie chicken to save preparation time.
- French fried onions add a crispy topping, but can be omitted or substituted with breadcrumbs for a different texture.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just extend the baking time by 5–10 minutes if baking cold.
