Some nights, you just need a meal that practically cooks itself—something hearty, delicious, and comforting without the hassle. Enter Lazy Chicken Spaghetti, the ultimate easy dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. This dish brings together tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta in a way that’s pure comfort food magic.
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Trust me, this one’s a game-changer. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just treating yourself to a cozy meal, this recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love Lazy Chicken Spaghetti
Versatile: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a potluck star, this dish fits every occasion.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, everyday ingredients that won’t break the bank.
Quick and Easy: Minimal prep, easy steps—perfect for busy days.
Customizable: Spice it up, make it creamy, or add extra cheese—tailor it to your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients in Lazy Chicken Spaghetti
This recipe is proof that a few pantry staples can create something amazing. Here’s what you’ll need:
Chicken: Cooked and shredded for that juicy, tender bite.
Spaghetti: The perfect pasta to soak up all that creamy goodness.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds a rich, velvety texture to the sauce.
Rotel Tomatoes: Brings a zesty kick that balances the creaminess.
Cheddar Cheese: Because everything’s better with melty, gooey cheese.
Chicken Broth: Helps keep everything saucy and flavorful.
Seasonings: A simple blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder for extra depth.
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F to get everything baking evenly.
Cook the Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes, chicken broth, and seasonings. Stir well.
Assemble the Dish: Add the cooked spaghetti to the mixture, stirring until everything is well coated.
Add the Cheese: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake to Perfection: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve and Enjoy: Let it cool slightly, then dig in!
How to Serve Lazy Chicken Spaghetti
This dish pairs well with:
- Fresh Salads: A crisp, refreshing salad balances the rich, creamy flavors.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Adds color and a touch of healthy goodness.
- Standalone Meal: It’s hearty enough to enjoy on its own!
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Shred the chicken in advance to save time.
Make It Spicier: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for extra heat.
Storage Tips: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Double the Recipe: Freeze half for an easy future meal.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use a different pasta?
A1: Absolutely! Penne or rotini work great too.
Q2: Can I make it ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Assemble it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q4: Can I freeze it?
A4: Yes! Freeze in a covered dish for up to 3 months.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat it?
A5: Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
Q6: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A6: Definitely! It’s a great shortcut and adds extra flavor.
Q7: How can I make it creamier?
A7: Add a little sour cream or cream cheese to the sauce.
Q8: What’s a good cheese substitute?
A8: Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a cheese blend works well.
Q9: Can I make it gluten-free?
A9: Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free soup alternative.
Q10: Can I add vegetables?
A10: Of course! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach are great additions.
Final Thoughts
Lazy Chicken Spaghetti is everything you want in a comfort meal—rich, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Give it a try, and let me know how you like it!
Print
Lazy Chicken Spaghetti
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy chicken parmesan baked spaghetti is a budget-friendly, family-sized meal made with just five simple ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines crispy chicken patties, pasta, and cheesy goodness into a delicious, comforting casserole.
Ingredients
- 1 (1 lb) box thin spaghetti
- 2 (24 oz) jars marinara or pasta sauce
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- 8 frozen chicken patties (such as Tyson)
- Seasoning to taste (optional: salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain.
- Mix pasta with ¾ of the sauce (about 1.5 jars) and 2 cups mozzarella. Add seasoning if desired.
- Transfer to casserole dish and top with frozen chicken patties.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes to crisp up the chicken.
- Remove from oven, top each chicken patty with the remaining sauce, 1 cup mozzarella, and parmesan.
- Bake an additional 15 minutes until the cheese melts and starts to brown.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use homemade or store-bought marinara sauce for convenience.
- Add extra seasoning for more flavor. Italian seasoning works great!
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 880
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 50mg