Welcome to your new favorite Baked Spaghetti with Chicken recipe! This delightful dish combines tender spaghetti with a rich, savory ground chicken sauce, all blanketed under a generous layer of bubbly, melted mozzarella cheese. It’s an incredibly easy, comforting, and family-friendly dinner solution that will quickly become a staple in your household. Forget the fuss of traditional lasagna; this pasta casserole delivers all the cheesy goodness with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal. It’s a classic twist on a beloved comfort food, substituting ground beef with lean ground chicken for a lighter, yet equally flavorful, experience that the whole family will adore.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a hearty pasta bake. This chicken spaghetti casserole is my ultimate go-to when I crave a truly cozy and satisfying meal. Its robust flavors and warm, cheesy finish make it an instant crowd-pleaser, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters will ask for seconds. The anticipation builds as this spaghetti bake bubbles away in the oven, filling your home with an irresistible aroma. Kids (and adults!) eagerly gather around, waiting for that moment when the golden-brown cheese topping signifies pure perfection. This dish is not just food; it’s an experience, bringing warmth and joy to your dinner table.
If you’re constantly seeking new and exciting pasta dishes that are both delicious and easy to prepare, you’ve come to the right place! Beyond this fantastic baked spaghetti, be sure to explore other family favorites like my Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta, delightful Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli, or the viral sensation, Baked Feta Pasta. Each offers a unique flavor profile guaranteed to impress!
Why This Easy Baked Spaghetti Will Be Your New Favorite
This chicken baked spaghetti isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a culinary triumph designed for simplicity and incredible taste. Here’s why you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again:
- Effortless Preparation: Forget the intricate layering of lasagna! This easy baked spaghetti eliminates the complexities while delivering all the comforting flavors. It’s essentially a one-pot sauce combined with pre-cooked pasta, topped with cheese, and baked to perfection. Minimal fuss, maximum flavor.
- Explosion of Flavor: Thanks to a thoughtfully selected blend of aromatics, rich tomato products, savory ground chicken, and classic Italian seasonings, every bite of this pasta bake is packed with delectable taste. The melty mozzarella adds a creamy finish that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- Incredibly Versatile: This spaghetti casserole is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Easily swap out the ground chicken for other meats, introduce a variety of vegetables, or experiment with different cheeses and spice levels. The possibilities for customization are truly limitless, ensuring you can tailor it to your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
- Budget-Friendly & Feeds a Crowd: Made with readily available and affordable ingredients, this baked pasta recipe is a smart choice for feeding a large family or entertaining guests without breaking the bank. It yields a substantial amount, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish holds up wonderfully, making it ideal for meal prepping throughout the week. You can prepare it in advance, refrigerate, or even freeze for later enjoyment, offering incredible convenience for busy schedules.
- Comfort Food at its Best: There’s a reason pasta bakes are a go-to comfort food. The combination of warm pasta, savory sauce, and gooey cheese creates a heartwarming dish that evokes feelings of home and happiness. It’s the ultimate antidote to a long day.
Essential Ingredients for Your Baked Spaghetti Casserole
Crafting the perfect chicken spaghetti bake starts with fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some insights into why each component is vital:
- Olive Oil: The foundation for sautéing your aromatics, olive oil adds a subtle depth of flavor. A light-tasting variety is recommended, but feel free to use your preferred cooking oil.
- Aromatics (Garlic, Onions, Carrots, Celery): This classic “soffritto” or mirepoix creates the rich, aromatic base for your sauce. Minced garlic and chopped onions provide pungent sweetness, while carrots and celery add essential earthy notes and a subtle sweetness that balances the tomatoes.
- Ground Chicken: A lean and versatile protein choice, ground chicken makes this baked spaghetti lighter than its beef counterpart without sacrificing heartiness. It absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
- Chicken Broth: Used to deglaze the pan and add moisture, chicken broth enriches the sauce’s flavor. Opt for low-sodium broth to better control the overall saltiness of your dish.
- Tomato Paste: Crucial for depth and richness, tomato paste offers a concentrated burst of umami and helps thicken the sauce. Don’t confuse it with tomato sauce; its role is entirely different!
- Canned Crushed Tomatoes: These provide the ideal texture for a robust spaghetti sauce – thick enough to cling to the pasta, yet still saucy. If you only have diced or whole canned tomatoes, you’ll need to cook them down longer and perhaps crush them further to achieve the desired consistency.
- Seasoning (Italian Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper): A simple yet effective blend. Italian seasoning typically includes oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, providing that quintessential Mediterranean warmth. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste.
- Spaghetti: The star of the pasta show! You can use regular white spaghetti or opt for whole wheat for added fiber and a nuttier flavor. The cooking method (al dente) is key for a perfect baked result.
- Mozzarella Cheese: What’s a pasta bake without copious amounts of gooey, melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella? Shredded mozzarella provides that iconic cheese pull and forms a golden-brown crust on top. Feel free to use fresh or pre-shredded.
- Fresh Basil: For garnishing, fresh basil leaves add a vibrant pop of color and a fresh, aromatic finish that beautifully complements the tomato and cheese flavors. It’s optional but highly recommended.
How to Make This Irresistible Baked Spaghetti (Step-by-Step)
Creating this delicious chicken pasta bake is surprisingly simple. Follow these steps for a perfectly comforting meal:
- Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. Set it aside, ready for your pasta creation.
- Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent. Next, add the chopped carrots and celery, cooking for another couple of minutes to soften them slightly. This step builds the foundational flavors of your sauce.
- Step 3: Brown the Chicken and Build the Sauce
Add 1 pound of ground chicken to the pot with the aromatics. Break up the chicken with a spoon or spatula and cook for 3-5 minutes until it’s fully browned and has released its moisture. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Stir in 3 cups of chicken broth, ¼ cup of tomato paste, 28 ounces of canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of dried Italian seasonings, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 10-12 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti
While the sauce simmers, cook 1 pound of spaghetti pasta according to package instructions, but subtract 1 minute from the recommended cooking time. You want the pasta to be al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti. Reserve about 1 cup of the prepared chicken and tomato sauce. Toss the drained spaghetti with the remaining sauce until every strand is coated. This ensures maximum flavor in every bite!
- Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the saucy spaghetti mixture evenly into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the reserved 1 cup of sauce over the top of the pasta, then generously sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over everything. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the pasta to heat through.
- Step 6: Achieve Golden Perfection
After the initial 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown. If you prefer an extra crispy, browned top, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the baked spaghetti from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and fresh aroma. Serve warm and enjoy!
Expert Tips for the Best Baked Spaghetti Recipe
To ensure your chicken baked spaghetti turns out perfectly every time, keep these valuable tips in mind:
- Pasta Water Wisdom: When cooking your spaghetti, use a large pot with plenty of water. This gives the noodles ample room to move and expand freely, preventing them from clumping together. Generously salt the pasta water for added flavor.
- Preventing Sticky Pasta: Stir the spaghetti immediately after adding it to the boiling water to prevent the strands from sticking to each other and the bottom of the pot.
- Skip the Oil in Pasta Water: Contrary to popular belief, adding oil to pasta water is unnecessary and can make your pasta greasy, preventing the sauce from properly adhering to it.
- Al Dente is Key: Remember to cook your pasta slightly under al dente – about 1 minute less than package directions. It will finish cooking in the oven, ensuring it remains firm and flavorful, not mushy.
- Saucy Spaghetti for the Win: Don’t skimp on the sauce when tossing it with the spaghetti. Every strand should be well-coated to keep the pasta moist and flavorful during baking. Reserving a cup of sauce for the top also helps in this regard.
- Cheese Coverage: To prevent the top layer of pasta from drying out or becoming crunchy, ensure it’s completely covered with the reserved sauce and a generous layer of mozzarella cheese before baking.
- Don’t Rush the Rest: After baking, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the cheese and sauce to set slightly, making for cleaner slices and preventing the dish from falling apart.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Baked Spaghetti
This baked spaghetti is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a simple side can elevate the dining experience. I love serving it with hearty, cheesy bread options like Cheesy Cauliflower Bread Sticks, classic Roasted Garlic Bread, or savory Cheesy Pesto Breadsticks. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta bake.
Creative Variations and Customizations
One of the best aspects of this baked spaghetti casserole is its adaptability. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Meat Swaps: No ground chicken? No problem! This recipe works beautifully with ground turkey, ground beef, Italian sausage (mild or spicy), or even a combination of meats.
- Vegetable Boost: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding more vegetables to the sauce. Bell peppers, spinach (stirred in at the end), zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms are excellent choices. Sauté them with the other aromatics or add them during the sauce simmering phase.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or some chili flakes to the sauce. Adjust to your preferred level of heat.
- Cheese Combinations: While mozzarella is fantastic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. A blend of mozzarella and Parmesan, provolone, or even a touch of sharp cheddar can add different dimensions of flavor.
- Herb Power: Beyond Italian seasoning, fresh or dried oregano, thyme, or a bay leaf added to the sauce can deepen its aromatic complexity.
- Creamy Texture: For an even richer, creamier sauce, stir in a dollop of cream cheese, a splash of heavy cream, or some ricotta cheese with the sauce before tossing with the pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This chicken pasta casserole is baked both covered and uncovered. The first half of the baking time (20 minutes) is with the dish covered in foil, which helps the spaghetti casserole bake through evenly and prevents the cheese from burning prematurely. The second half (15 minutes) is uncovered, allowing the mozzarella cheese to melt, become bubbly, and achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust.
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your spaghetti noodles and stir immediately to prevent sticking. Cook the pasta just under al dente, meaning about 1 minute less than the package instructions. This is crucial because the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, ensuring it doesn’t become overcooked or mushy in the final baked dish.
Absolutely! This spaghetti casserole is excellent for freezing. You can assemble it ahead of time in a freezer-safe dish (like an aluminum tray). Cover it tightly with plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as instructed until heated through and bubbly.
Yes, most pasta bake recipes, including this baked spaghetti, require the pasta to be pre-cooked to an al dente or slightly under al dente stage. Cooking pasta directly in the sauce without pre-boiling can result in unevenly cooked pasta and a sauce that becomes too starchy or absorbed.
To prevent your pasta from getting hard or crunchy on top when baking, ensure it is extra saucy and completely covered with both the reserved sauce and a generous layer of mozzarella cheese. Baking the dish covered with foil for the initial stage is also essential. Remove the foil only for the last few minutes to allow the cheese to brown and blister, without drying out the pasta underneath.
The most efficient way to reheat leftover spaghetti bake is in the microwave. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or a microwave-safe lid to preserve moisture and prevent splattering, then heat until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C), covered with foil, until hot.
More Irresistible Pasta Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Baked Spaghetti Pasta Casserole, you’ll definitely want to try these other fantastic pasta dishes:
- Spicy Arrabbiata Pasta
- Creamy Red Pepper Pasta
- Creamy White Chicken Lasagna
- Creamy Alfredo Chicken Pasta
- Chicken Spaghetti Bolognese
I genuinely hope you cherish every recipe I share with you, especially this delightful Baked Spaghetti Pasta recipe. It’s designed to bring joy and comfort to your kitchen and your dinner table. I encourage you to try it, savor every bite, and share this wonderful creation with your friends and family!
If you make this recipe and love it, please consider leaving a star rating and a comment below to let me know! Share your delicious recreations with me on INSTAGRAM using my hashtag #CookinWithMima. Also, follow Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST for all my latest recipes and culinary adventures.
Baked Spaghetti Pasta Casserole
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp. olive oil, light tasting
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 large carrots, chopped
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 lb. ground chicken
- 3 cups chicken broth, low sodium
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 28 oz. canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp. dried Italian seasonings
- 1 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1 tsp. salt
For the Spaghetti:
- 1 lb. spaghetti pasta, cooked
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, for topping
- Water, to cook spaghetti
- Basil, to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 X 13 baking dish with oil and set it aside.
- Heat a Dutch oven with oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion; sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onions turn translucent.
- Add carrots and celery, cook for a couple of minutes and then add ground chicken. Break it up and cook for 3-5 minutes until the chicken releases its moisture.
- Stir in the chicken broth, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasonings, black pepper, and salt. Bring it to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes until everything comes together and the sauce thickens a bit. Cover and keep the sauce aside.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions minus 1 minute. Reserve about 1 cup of prepared sauce and toss the spaghetti with the remaining sauce.
- Transfer the pasta to the prepared baking dish, top the pasta with the reserved 1 cup sauce and mozzarella cheese. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Once done, garnish the baked spaghetti with basil and serve a slice while it is warm.
Notes
- When filling your pot to cook the pasta, use enough water so the noodles can move freely once they expand.
- Prevent your pasta from sticking together by stirring it immediately after dropping it into the pot.
- Don’t put oil in your pasta water! It will just result in greasy pasta that sauce won’t cling to.
- I love serving this baked spaghetti with Cheesy Cauliflower Bread Sticks, Roasted Garlic Bread, and Cheesy Pesto Breadsticks. A side salad also works really well!
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms to the sauce.
- Don’t have ground chicken? Try ground turkey or ground beef for a different flavor profile!
- Make this spicy with the addition of some hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or chili flakes.