Chicken One Pot Spaghetti – A Creamy, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Favorite

If you’re craving a comforting pasta dish without the hassle of multiple pots and pans, this Chicken One Pot Spaghetti is exactly what you need. It’s a hearty, flavorful meal that comes together in one pot—juicy chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a rich, savory sauce that clings to every strand. The best part? Cleanup is a breeze. I tried this once with a splash of heavy cream and a sprinkle of Parmesan at the end—it turned out restaurant-worthy. This dish is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something quick, filling, and full of flavor. It’s comfort food made simple, and once you try it, it’ll be on repeat in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken One Pot Spaghetti combines the ease of a weeknight dinner with the heartiness of homemade Italian comfort food. Everything cooks together, so the pasta absorbs the sauce’s rich flavors and the chicken stays tender and juicy. It’s creamy, savory, and customizable, making it perfect for families or anyone craving a satisfying meal with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breasts – Boneless and skinless, these cook quickly and stay juicy when simmered in the sauce. You can also use chicken thighs for extra richness.

Spaghetti – The star of the dish, it cooks directly in the sauce, soaking up every bit of flavor.

Olive oil – Used for sautéing the chicken and vegetables, adding depth and smoothness.

Onion – Finely chopped onion brings sweetness and body to the sauce.

Garlic – Fresh minced garlic enhances the savory flavor and gives the dish that irresistible aroma.

Diced tomatoes – Canned or fresh, they create the base of the sauce with a touch of acidity.

Chicken broth – Adds liquid for the pasta to cook in while infusing the dish with flavor.

Tomato paste – Thickens the sauce and deepens its color and taste.

Italian seasoning – A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme that gives the sauce classic Italian flavor.

Salt and black pepper – Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the dish.

Parmesan cheese – Adds creamy richness and a salty bite to the final dish.

Heavy cream (optional) – For a creamier texture, add a splash before serving.

Fresh parsley – Chopped parsley adds freshness and color as a garnish.

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning, then add them to the pot. Cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In the same pot, add onion and garlic, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and soft. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute to caramelize it slightly. Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine.

Break the spaghetti in half and add it directly to the pot, submerging it in the liquid. Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the pot. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Stir in Parmesan cheese (and heavy cream, if using) until creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

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 serves 4 to 5 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid high heat to prevent the pasta from drying out. You can also freeze for up to 2 months—thaw overnight before reheating.

Variations and Customizations

Creamy Alfredo Style – Add extra heavy cream and more Parmesan for a luscious white sauce version.

Spicy Cajun Twist – Sprinkle Cajun seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes for a bold kick.

Veggie Boost – Stir in spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.

Cheesy Bake – Transfer the cooked pasta to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil until bubbly.

Mediterranean Flair – Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a handful of feta for a tangy twist.

Tomato Basil Classic – Stir in fresh basil leaves before serving for a bright, aromatic finish.

Chicken Bacon Ranch – Mix in crispy bacon pieces and a drizzle of ranch dressing for a comforting twist.

One-Pot Pesto Pasta – Replace the tomato sauce with pesto and add cream for a herby, rich version.

Garlic Lovers’ Edition – Double the garlic for an extra aromatic punch.

Protein Boost – Add grilled shrimp or Italian sausage for a heartier meal.

FAQs

1. Can I use cooked chicken?

Yes, just add it in the last few minutes of cooking to heat through.

2. Can I use other pasta shapes?

Absolutely—penne, linguine, or fettuccine all work great in this recipe.

3. How can I make it dairy-free?

Skip the Parmesan and cream, or use dairy-free alternatives.

4. Can I use whole wheat pasta?

Yes, just add extra broth as it absorbs more liquid.

5. What if my sauce is too thick?

Add more broth or a splash of milk until it reaches your desired consistency.

6. Can I add vegetables?

Yes, bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms all complement this dish perfectly.

7. What kind of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work beautifully.

8. How do I prevent pasta from sticking?

Stir occasionally during cooking and ensure there’s enough liquid in the pot.

9. Can I make it ahead?

Yes, just reheat with a bit of extra broth before serving.

10. What sides go well with it?

Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.

Conclusion

This Chicken One Pot Spaghetti is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. With minimal cleanup and maximum comfort, it’s a dish the whole family will love. The tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and rich sauce come together for a meal that tastes like it took hours to make—but it’s ready in under 40 minutes. Once you try it, it’ll become one of your most-loved go-to recipes.

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