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Chicken Nugget Spaghetti

Chicken Nugget Spaghetti has frozen chicken nuggets, marinara sauce, spaghetti pasta, and lots of mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese! This is one of those casual meals the whole family loves, including picky kids.

Why I love this recipe

It is super easy, to make using just 5 ingredients, great for busy weeknights. Delicious meals can also be simple.

Chicken Nugget Spaghetti in a baking dish.
Chicken Nugget Spaghetti

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Ingredients

  • spaghetti pasta (or any shape pasta)
  • marinara sauce (or pasta sauce)
  • shredded mozzarella cheese
  • shredded Parmesan cheese
  • frozen chicken nuggets
  • Optional – Fresh Parsley

Substitutions and Additions

If desired, you can sprinkle in some Italian seasonings, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

You can use a white meat chicken nugget, diced chicken breast nugget patties, or chopped rib meat chicken patties.

You can also sprinkle some bread crumbs on top before baking.

You can grease the dish with vegetable oil, soybean oil, olive oil, butter, or cooking spray.

Equipment used for this recipe

How to make baked Chicken Nugget Spaghetti

Cooking Directions

Step 1 – In a large pot, boil water and cook the spaghetti for al dente according to the package directions.

Step 2 – When the pasta is ready, drain it in a colander and add it back to the pot.

Step 3 – Stir spaghetti with the marinara sauce, a third of the Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella. Set aside.

spaghetti with the marinara sauce, a third of the Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella in a saucepan.

Step 4 – Preheat a conventional oven or toaster oven to 375 degrees F.

Step 5 – Lightly grease or spray an 8×8-inch casserole dish.

Step 6 – Add half of the spaghetti and sauce mixture to the dish in a single layer.

spaghetti and sauce in a baking dish.

Step 7 – Top with half of the chicken breast nuggets, a third of the Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.

chicken nuggets over spaghetti in a baking dish.

Step 8 – Add the remaining spaghetti and sauce mixture.

Step 9 – Add the remaining chicken nuggets and the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.

chicken parmesan casserole ready to bake.

Step 10 – Bake uncovered in the center of the oven for 25 minutes.

Step 11 – Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Chicken Parmesan Casserole in a baking dish.
Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Recipe FAQs

What can I do with leftover McDonald’s chicken nuggets?

Leftover McDonald’s Chicken nuggets work great in this baked chicken nugget casserole.

Can you use made-from-scratch marinara sauce?

Yes, you can use made-from-scratch marinara sauce instead of store-bought in this recipe.

What are the microwave directions?

I do not recommend making this casserole in the microwave.

Chicken Parmesan Casserole in a baking dish.
Yield: Serves 6

Chicken Nugget Spaghetti

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Chicken Nugget Spaghetti has frozen chicken nuggets, marinara sauce, spaghetti pasta, and lots of mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese! This is one of those casual meals the whole family loves, including picky kids.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces spaghetti pasta (or any shape pasta)
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce (or pasta sauce)
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, (divided use)
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1-pound frozen chicken nuggets
  • Optional - Fresh Parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, boil water and cook the spaghetti for al dente according to the package directions.
  2. When the pasta is ready, drain it in a colander and add it back to the pot.
  3. Stir spaghetti with the marinara sauce, a third of the Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella. Set aside.
  4. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  5. Lightly grease, butter, or spray an 8x8-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
  6. Add half of the spaghetti and sauce mixture to the dish in a single layer.
  7. Top with half of the chicken breast nuggets, a third of the Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
  8. Add the remaining spaghetti and sauce mixture.

Notes

  • Leftover McDonald's Chicken nuggets work great in this baked chicken nugget casserole.
  • You can use made-from-scratch marinara sauce instead of store-bought in this recipe.
  • I do not recommend making this casserole in the microwave.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate I may make a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase through product links in this post.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 514Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 77mgSodium: 1434mgCarbohydrates: 36gFiber: 4gSugar: 8gProtein: 29g

Nutrition information is a guideline only, is calculated automatically by third party software, and absolute accuracy is not guaranteed.

Did you make this recipe?

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I’m Zona. My husband and I are empty-nesters and parents of 1 adult son.  I have a passion for recipes and I share all the tips, tricks, and resources I can find (or create) to help you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your life.

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