This fabulous baked spaghetti with chicken parmesan meatballs is one of my all time favorites!And that says a lot!
The recipe is semi-homemade, so it saves you some time, but gives you all the flavor of all home made. Delish!
Do you remember that show called ‘Semi-Homemade’ with that really pretty blonde lady? Not sure if it’s still on but this recipe is kinda like that. You use a few store bought ingredients along with a few fresh ones. It’s a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll…no wait, thats Donnie and Marie…there goes my age showing again!
This recipe combines a few of my faves. Chicken Parmesan Meatballs and Baked Spaghetti. At first I thought, who would wanna make a spaghetti casserole? Why not just serve it up from the pan without tossing it in a casserole dish? Why dirty one more dish? Becaussseeee, this makes a big old batch and you can serve it out of said dirty casserole dish for days! Not to mention the flavors become all beautiful while baking. So totally worth the extra dish!
This recipe got me through at least four episodes of Scandal with noodles to spare! You use a jar of good marinara for the sauce which really cuts down on the prep time. I bake the meatballs rather than sauté in a pan. Line your sheet pan and no clean up! Cook some pasta…toss, top with cheese and you have dinner for days and maybe even an extra Scandal episode on Monday!
Tips to make Spaghetti and Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
- Use a good jar of marinara. The better the sauce, the better the casserole. I used Roasted Garlic from Trader Joes but there are plenty to choose from at your local grocer.
- 12 ounces of pasta is perfect for a 9 x 9 casserole. Just eyeball it…using 3/4 of a box. It’s so tempting to throw that whole pound of pasta in but trust me, your casserole will come up dry. If you must use the whole pound of pasta, increase the marinara and use a 9 x 13 dish.
- Ground chicken is very available these days but ground turkey will work just great. Stay away from the ‘all breast’ meat kind. Rather dry.
Now if you are still looking for a big old pot of something to make on Friday so you can lay back and enjoy the weekend. Give my Italian Sausage and Mushroom Soup a try!
Baked Spaghetti and Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Ingredients
- Meatballs
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup panko or regular breadcrumbs I used panko
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup onion chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or 2 tablespoons dried
- 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- Spaghetti
- 12 ounces uncooked spaghetti
- 1 32 ounce jar of good marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment for quick cleanup.
- Bring a large pot of water to boil for pasta.
- While water is coming to a boil make meatballs.
- Add all meatball ingredients to large bowl.
- Gently combine until just mixed. (over mixing will make for a tougher meatball).
- Shape into 2 inch meatballs and place on lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
- While meatballs are baking
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Drain and return to pan you cooked the pasta in.
- Combine pasta and marinara sauce.
- Pour into 9 x 9 casserole dish.
- Top with cooked meatballs.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until center is hot and bubbling.
- Top with cheese.
- Bake an extra 5 minutes.
- Serve!
Nutrition
Lisa says
Made for my inlaws. Everyone raved. Loved the flavor of the meatballs. I can see using them in multiple ways. Thanks. Glad I found your site
Kathi & Rachel says
Hi Lisa – we are glad you found us too! So happy you like the recipe…whats not to love about a meatball!
Susan says
Team Fitz or Team Jake? Love everything about this recipe! Baked spaghetti and Chicken Parm Meatballs. Yes Please!
Kathi Kirk says
Team Jake! :).
Susan says
Me too! haha
Lisa @ GarlicandZest says
Well this looks (and sounds) fabulous! Pinned! BTW – haven’t seen scandal, but I’ve been binge watching Downton Abbey — guess I’ll have to make this and settle into the couch with a chilled white!
Kathi Kirk says
I love Downton too! It’s my afternoon show so I do Pellegrino for that one! 🙂
Emme says
One dish meals are THAH best, especially when you can shorten cooking time with pre-made ingredients. Baked spaghetti is a new one to me. And now I have that Donnie and Marie song stuck in my head! 🙂
Kathi Kirk says
Some day gonna go to Vegas and see that Donnie and Marie show before they start doing it in their walkers! ha ha!
Taylor Thurston says
First of all, your photography is gorgeous! I love the idea of making one big thing on Friday to free up your weekend time. I love this idea. Thanks for the recipe!
Kathi Kirk says
Oh my gosh you are so sweet! I so struggle with my photography so I really appreciate the comment!
Adri says
One thing I really remember about Sandra Lee, the “Semi-Homemade” hostess was that she always enjoyed a cocktail on her show! I am all in for one dish meals, and I think that taking a store-bought product and putting one’s own personal twist on it is a great idea! So this one’s a winner in my book. It’s the kind of dish you bring to the table and everybody just digs in. My family will be enjoying this one soon.
Kathi Kirk says
Thanks Adri! Yes, it was Sandra Lee! She is so pretty and love anyone who enjoys a cocktail! Clink!