Skillet Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with Spaghetti

If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that combines the best of Italian flavors with a lighter twist, then Skillet Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with Spaghetti is exactly what you need. This recipe brings tender, juicy chicken meatballs smothered in rich marinara sauce, topped with gooey mozzarella, and served atop perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights yet special enough for weekend dinners. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, these meatballs will quickly become a go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish offers everything you want in a comforting pasta dinner without the heaviness of traditional beef or pork meatballs. Using ground chicken keeps it light yet flavorful, especially with the addition of Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Cooking the meatballs right in the skillet with marinara sauce helps them stay juicy and infuses every bite with rich tomato goodness. Plus, the melted mozzarella on top adds that irresistible cheesy finish that everyone loves.

What’s more, this recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require a ton of fancy ingredients or complicated steps. You can make the meatballs and sauce all in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. Also, if you want to switch things up, it pairs beautifully with Garlic Butter Pasta for a rich, buttery alternative to the classic spaghetti.

Your Shopping Guide

• Ground chicken (1 pound): Choose fresh, lean ground chicken from your local market or butcher.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Look for freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
• Bread crumbs (1/2 cup): Plain or Italian seasoned breadcrumbs work well. You can substitute with panko for extra crunch.
• Egg (1 large): Acts as a binder to keep meatballs together.
• Garlic (2 cloves): Freshly minced garlic enhances the savory depth.
• Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme brings classic Italian flavor.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning the meatballs perfectly.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For searing the meatballs and adding richness.
• Marinara sauce (2 cups): Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara sauce for that authentic tomato base.
• Spaghetti (8 ounces): Choose your preferred brand or type—whole wheat or gluten-free if desired.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully over the meatballs.
• Fresh basil: For garnish, adding a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large skillet: Preferably oven-safe to brown meatballs and finish with cheese.
• Mixing bowl: To combine meatball ingredients evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient quantities.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: To gently stir sauce and meatballs without breaking them.
• Pot: To cook the spaghetti.
• Colander: For draining cooked pasta.
• Oven mitts: For safely handling the hot skillet if finishing under the broiler.

Skillet Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with Spaghetti Made Stepwise

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground chicken with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 1 beaten egg, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 2: Shape and Brown the Meatballs

Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer, leaving space between each one. Brown them on all sides, turning carefully to avoid breaking, until golden and cooked about 5-6 minutes.

Step 3: Add Marinara Sauce and Simmer

Once browned, pour 2 cups of marinara sauce over the meatballs in the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let them simmer gently for 10 minutes. This allows the meatballs to finish cooking through and soak up the delicious tomato flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti

While the meatballs simmer, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 8 ounces of spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Top with Mozzarella and Broil

Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella evenly over the meatballs and sauce. If your skillet is oven-safe, transfer it to a preheated broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese bubbles and browns slightly. If not, transfer the meatballs and sauce to an oven-safe dish before broiling.

Step 6: Serve

Plate a generous portion of spaghetti, spoon the meatballs and extra sauce on top, and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot and enjoy!

Variations for Dietary Needs

• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta.
• Swap ground chicken for ground turkey or lean beef if preferred.
• Use dairy-free mozzarella and Parmesan alternatives for a lactose-free version.
• For a low-carb twist, serve the meatballs over spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.

Missteps & Fixes

• Meatballs fall apart: Make sure not to overmix the meatball mixture and add enough breadcrumbs and egg as binders.

• Dry meatballs: Use ground chicken with some fat content and avoid overcooking. Simmering in marinara helps keep them moist.

• Sauce too watery: Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken.

• Cheese doesn’t melt well: Use freshly shredded mozzarella instead of pre-shredded for better melting.

Store, Freeze & Reheat

Leftover Skillet Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with Spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs and sauce separately from the pasta in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. Reheat the pasta separately to avoid it becoming mushy.

Ask the Chef

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and shape the meatballs a day ahead, then store them in the fridge until ready to cook. You can also fully cook and refrigerate them, then reheat in the marinara sauce when you’re ready to serve.

What’s the best way to ensure the meatballs stay moist?

Using ground chicken with a bit of fat, not overmixing the ingredients, and simmering the meatballs gently in marinara sauce all help keep them juicy and tender.

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes! A good-quality store-bought marinara sauce works perfectly here, but if you have time, homemade sauce adds an extra layer of flavor.

Is it okay to bake the meatballs instead of cooking them in a skillet?

You can bake the meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, then transfer to the skillet with marinara to simmer and melt the cheese. This method is great if you prefer hands-off cooking.

Weekend Projects

• Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan – A quick pressure cooker recipe for a cheesy, saucy dinner.
• Spaghetti Pie Casserole – A fun twist on leftover spaghetti that’s perfect for weekend meal prep.
• Garlic Butter Pasta – A simple side to elevate any pasta or meatball dish.

Final Bite

Skillet Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with Spaghetti is a delicious balance of flavors, textures, and simplicity that makes weeknight dinners a breeze. The juicy chicken meatballs, savory Parmesan, and melty mozzarella combined with a vibrant marinara sauce tossed with spaghetti create a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to love. Whether served for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish is sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try, and watch it become a staple in your kitchen!

Share on Pinterest