Name: Chicken Nugget Spaghetti Bake With Red Peppers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb spaghetti noodles; 14-18 frozen chicken nuggets; 2 cups marinara or spaghetti sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup grated Parmesean cheese; 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for the noodles); 1 red bell pepper (diced); Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

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Looking for a quick, kid-approved dinner that’s easy to whip up on a busy weeknight? This Chicken Nugget Spaghetti Bake with Red Peppers is a family favorite in our house!

It’s very easy and one of my kids’ favorite meals. It combines crispy chicken nuggets, tender spaghetti noodles, and a rich marinara sauce – with a pop of flavor from sautéed red peppers.

Cooked chicken nugget spaghetti on a white bowl with casserole dish in background

It’s simple, comforting, and comes together in under 30 minutes – perfect for those evenings when you need dinner on the table fast.

And, it uses ingredients that you’ll typically have on hand. Don’t have red peppers? No problem- omit them, or swap in zucchini or another favorite veggie.

Cooked spaghetti dish in casserole dish with cheese on top and wood countertop in background

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Nugget Spaghetti Bake Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Made with simple pantry staples and frozen chicken nuggets, this meal is a breeze to prepare.

• Kid-Approved: My kids can’t get enough of this cheesy, comforting spaghetti dish – and they even love the red peppers!

• Flavorful Twist: The sautéed red peppers add a subtle sweetness that elevates the classic chicken Parmesan taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb spaghetti noodles

• 12-16 frozen chicken nuggets

• 2 cups marinara sauce (we use Raos but any kind will do)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for the noodles)

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Ingredients for recipe on wood countertop with white brick background

How to Make Chicken Nugget Spaghetti Bake

Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking if desired.

Prepare the Chicken Nuggets: While the pasta cooks, bake or air-fry the chicken nuggets following the package instructions until golden and crispy.

Sauté the Red Peppers: In a small skillet or saucepan over medium heat, warm a drizzle of olive oil. Add the diced red bell pepper and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. This step adds a fresh, sweet crunch that pairs perfectly with the marinara sauce.

Warm the Marinara Sauce: Add the marinara to the same skillet or saucepan as the sautéed red peppers to infuse the sauce with extra flavor and warm the sauce.

Assemble the Dish

• Arrange the cooked spaghetti in a casserole dish.

• Place the crispy chicken nuggets on top of the pasta.

• Spoon the marinara sauce with red peppers over the nuggets and noodles

• Mix altogether or leave in layers.

Add Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over everything. For that classic bubbly, cheesy finish, pop the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.

Image shows casserole dish with four steps: adding noodles, chicken nuggets, marinara sauce, and cheese.

Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh basil if you like and serve hot!

Tips for the Best Chicken Nugget Spaghetti Bake

• Choose Quality Nuggets: Use your family’s favorite chicken nuggets – whether frozen or homemade – for the best texture and taste. Our favorite is the Costco Kirkland

• Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in extra veggies like spinach or zucchini for a nutrient boost.

• Make It Ahead: You can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time. Just reheat and add the nuggets and cheese when ready to serve.

Pin This For Later!

Chicken Nugget Spaghetti Bake With Red Peppers

This easy weeknight dinner is a kid favorite and comes together in under 30 minutes.

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Ingredients

1 lb spaghetti noodles
14-18 frozen chicken nuggets
2 cups marinara or spaghetti sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesean cheese
1 tbsp olive oil optional, for the noodles
1 red bell pepper diced
Fresh basil optional, for garnish

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking if desired.
While the pasta cooks, bake or air-fry the chicken nuggets following the package instructions until golden and crispy.
In a small skillet over medium heat, warm a drizzle of olive oil. Add the diced red bell pepper and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
In the same skillet or saucepan as the red pepper, stir in the marinara sauce and heat until warmed.
In a 7"x11" or 8"x8" baking dish, add the cooked spaghetti, crispy chicken nuggets, marinara sauce with red peppers and mix together.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over everything.
Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
Serve immediately with an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and optional fresh basil.

Notes

Between homeschooling and keeping up with everyday life, I know how valuable easy dinners are. This recipe is a lifesaver on hectic evenings – it’s simple to make, and the combination of cheesy pasta and crispy chicken nuggets always brings smiles to the table. Plus, the red peppers add a delicious twist that even my pickiest eaters enjoy!

Keyword Easy Recipe, Spaghetti Recipe, Weeknight Dinner

Easy Chicken Nugget Spaghetti Bake with Red Peppers