If you’re looking for a satisfying meal that’s quick, delicious, and requires minimal cleanup, this Chicken One Pot Spaghetti is exactly what you need. Juicy pieces of chicken are cooked with tender spaghetti in a rich, creamy sauce that comes together all in one pan. I made this on a busy weeknight, and the best part—besides the incredible flavor—was how easy it was. No draining, no juggling multiple pots, just a simple, hearty dinner that the whole family loved.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken One Pot Spaghetti is a dream come true for anyone who wants maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s creamy, savory, and perfectly seasoned, with tender chicken and al dente pasta all cooked together for a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple. Because it’s all made in one pot, the pasta absorbs the flavors of the sauce and chicken, creating a comforting, cohesive meal. It’s perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or even entertaining when you want something easy yet impressive.
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Chicken One Pot Spaghetti – A Creamy, Flavorful Weeknight Dinner
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Chicken One Pot Spaghetti is a quick and easy comfort meal made with tender chicken, spaghetti noodles, and a rich tomato-garlic sauce — all cooked in a single pot for minimal cleanup. It’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz uncooked spaghetti (broken in half)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk (optional for creamier texture)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned, about 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add spaghetti to the pot, pressing down gently so it’s submerged in liquid. Return chicken to the pot.
- Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and liquid has reduced into a sauce.
- Stir in heavy cream (if using) and Parmesan cheese. Mix until creamy and well combined.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with basil or parsley.
Notes
- You can substitute penne or fettuccine for spaghetti — just adjust cooking time slightly.
- For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of broth or cream.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces for tenderness and flavor.
Olive Oil: Used to sear the chicken and prevent sticking.
Onion: Adds a mild sweetness and builds a flavorful base.
Garlic: Brings rich aroma and depth to the dish.
Chicken Broth: Cooks the pasta directly in the pot, adding flavor as it simmers.
Heavy Cream: Creates a silky, luxurious sauce that coats the spaghetti perfectly.
Diced Tomatoes (optional): For a light, tangy contrast that enhances the sauce.
Spaghetti: The star of the dish—cooks directly in the pot and soaks up all the flavors.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds saltiness and richness to the creamy sauce.
Italian Seasoning: Brings balance and classic herby flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer.
Fresh Parsley: For garnish and a pop of freshness.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a subtle touch of heat.
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5–6 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed, then add the chopped onion. Cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and diced tomatoes (if using). Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add the spaghetti. Break the noodles in half if necessary so they fit in the pot.
Step 4: Simmer and Combine
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through and the liquid has thickened into a creamy sauce—about 12–15 minutes. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the pasta is al dente and coated in sauce, stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4–6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Perfect for serving 4–6 people as a filling weeknight meal.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or chicken broth and warm gently over medium heat until creamy again. This dish also freezes well—store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Tomato Cream Version: Add more diced tomatoes or a tablespoon of tomato paste for a rosé-style sauce.
Spinach and Mushroom Pasta: Stir in sautéed mushrooms and baby spinach during the final few minutes for extra flavor and color.
Cajun Chicken Spaghetti: Season the chicken with Cajun spice mix instead of Italian seasoning for a smoky, spicy twist.
Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in shredded mozzarella or cheddar for an extra gooey finish.
Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta: Add lemon zest and juice for a lighter, refreshing version.
Pesto Twist: Mix in a spoonful of basil pesto at the end for a burst of herby flavor.
Low-Carb Option: Replace spaghetti with spiralized zucchini or low-carb pasta alternatives.
Bacon Lover’s Version: Add crumbled crispy bacon for a salty, smoky crunch.
Vegetarian Adaptation: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth with roasted veggies instead.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh thyme or basil for a garden-fresh aroma.
FAQs
1. Can I use cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Add leftover or rotisserie chicken in the last few minutes of cooking to heat through.
2. What type of pasta works best?
Spaghetti is classic, but penne or fettuccine also work beautifully.
3. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner—add extra cheese for creaminess.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but you can prepare it ahead and reheat with a splash of broth.
5. What can I serve with Chicken One Pot Spaghetti?
Garlic bread, side salad, or roasted vegetables make great pairings.
6. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Stir often while simmering and ensure there’s enough liquid in the pot.
7. Can I make this spicy?
Yes, add chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
8. Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary.
9. How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer a few extra minutes or add a bit more Parmesan cheese.
10. Can I add vegetables?
Yes—zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers all work beautifully.
Conclusion
This Chicken One Pot Spaghetti is the definition of weeknight perfection—creamy, flavorful, and ready in under 40 minutes. With tender chicken, rich sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it delivers comfort and convenience in one dish. The best part? Only one pot to wash! Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen—a satisfying, comforting classic that never disappoints.