This Chicken Parmesan Spaghetti Bake is a delicious twist on the classic chicken parmesan, combining crispy breaded chicken, flavorful marinara sauce, and cheesy baked spaghetti—all in one dish! It’s perfect for a family dinner, meal prep, or a cozy comfort meal. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Simplicity: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
- Cheesy & Comforting: The perfect combination of crispy chicken and gooey cheese.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Makes great leftovers and reheats well.
- Customizable: Adjust the pasta, sauce, or cheese to your liking.
Ingredients Breakdown
Main Ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced in half (butterflied) to make 4 pieces
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Substitutions:
- Swap chicken breasts for ground chicken or turkey for a different texture.
- Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for a GF-friendly version.
- Replace marinara sauce with a homemade tomato sauce for extra freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain and mix with 1 cup of marinara sauce.
- Prepare the breading station:
- Bowl 1: Flour
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: Panko, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bread the chicken: Dredge each piece in flour, then dip in egg, and coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Assemble the bake: In a greased baking dish, spread the spaghetti mixture evenly. Place the crispy chicken on top and cover with the remaining 1 cup marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Storage & Meal Prep:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in the microwave.
- Freeze the assembled (but unbaked) dish for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Dietary Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
Serving Suggestions & Topping Ideas
- Pair with a side salad or garlic bread.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for richness.
- Serve with a glass of red wine or sparkling water for a complete meal.
FAQs
1. Can I make this low-carb/keto?
Yes! Swap spaghetti for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash and use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
2. Can I use store-bought breaded chicken?
Absolutely! Just bake according to package instructions before assembling.
3. What’s the best cheese for this dish?
Mozzarella is classic, but you can also use provolone or cheddar for variety.
4. Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
5. How do I make it extra crispy?
Bake uncovered for the last 5 minutes at 425°F to get the cheese golden brown.
Enjoy this Chicken Parmesan Spaghetti Bake, a delicious, cheesy, and comforting meal!
