Are you ready to transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into a mouthwatering culinary experience? This Chicken Parmesan Spaghetti Bake is about to become your new obsession! Imagine perfectly cooked spaghetti, tender shredded chicken, and a blanket of melted cheese that will have your family racing to the dinner table. It's the ultimate fusion of classic Italian-American flavors that combines the best of chicken parmesan and a hearty pasta bake in one irresistible dish.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it's not touching the cheese. This helps prevent the cheese from burning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set and makes serving easier.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Tips
- Cook your spaghetti just until al dente to prevent mushy pasta in the final dish. The pasta will continue to absorb sauce while baking.
- Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor. Homemade is great, but a good store-bought sauce works perfectly too.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or using rotisserie chicken for a time-saving shortcut.
- Make sure to let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set and makes serving much easier.
- For a crispy top, you can broil the dish for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep! It reheats wonderfully and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to customize by adding additional vegetables like spinach or zucchini to boost the nutritional value.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg
