CHICKEN ONE POT SPAGHETTI

Growing up in my grandmother’s kitchen, Sunday dinners were sacred. The aroma of slowly simmering sauce would fill the house, and the anticipation of a hearty pasta meal brought everyone together. But as life got busier, those elaborate meals became harder to recreate on weeknights. That’s when I discovered the magic of Chicken One Pot Spaghetti – a dish that captures all the comfort and flavor of those Sunday classics, but with significantly less effort and cleanup.

This Chicken One Pot Spaghetti has become my household’s Monday night tradition, helping us ease into the week with minimal kitchen stress. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all those delicious flavors while releasing its starch to create a naturally creamy, satisfying dish. No separate pot for boiling pasta, no colander to wash – just one pot and a world of flavor.

Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Recipe

There’s a reason Chicken One Pot Spaghetti has become a staple in my cooking rotation, and I suspect it will in yours too:

• Time-saving wonder: From start to finish, dinner is on the table in about 30 minutes.
• Minimal cleanup: As the name promises, everything cooks in one pot.
• Budget-friendly: Simple ingredients that won’t break the bank.
• Crowd-pleaser: Even picky eaters tend to clean their plates.
• Versatile base: Once you master the technique, the variations are endless.
• Comforting yet not heavy: Satisfying without leaving you feeling stuffed.

The secret to this dish’s success is how the starch from the pasta thickens the sauce naturally, creating a silky texture that coats each strand perfectly. It’s the kind of cooking alchemy that makes you look like a kitchen genius, even on your most exhausted weeknight.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 8 oz spaghetti, broken in half
• 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn (plus extra for garnish)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment:

• Large, deep skillet or Dutch oven with lid
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board

Let’s Make Chicken One Pot Spaghetti

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Base

1. Heat olive oil in your pot over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add to the hot oil.
3. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden on the outside (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet).
4. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Foundation

1. In the same pot, add onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until starting to soften.
2. Add garlic and bell pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in Italian herbs and red pepper flakes (if using), allowing them to toast slightly for 30 seconds.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

1. Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
2. Add chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Return the chicken to the pot, along with any accumulated juices.

Step 4: The One-Pot Magic

1. Break the spaghetti in half and add it to the pot, making sure it’s fully submerged in the liquid.
2. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low, allowing pasta to cook for about 9-11 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. When pasta is almost al dente (about 2 minutes before it’s done), stir in the heavy cream.

Step 5: Finish With Flair

1. Once pasta is perfectly al dente, remove pot from heat.
2. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves.
3. Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Serve garnished with additional Parmesan and fresh basil.

Tips, Tricks, and Tasty Variations

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Don’t skip stirring: Check and stir the pasta every few minutes to prevent it from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot.
• Watch the liquid levels: If the mixture seems too dry before the pasta is cooked, add a splash more broth.
• Pasta selection matters: While traditional spaghetti works beautifully, any long pasta like linguine or fettuccine will work. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Prep ahead: Chop all vegetables and chicken before starting to make the cooking process smoother.

Delicious Variations

Mediterranean Version

Swap the bell pepper for artichoke hearts and add kalamata olives and a sprinkle of crumbled feta instead of Parmesan.

Spicy Cajun Twist

Add Andouille sausage along with the chicken, substitute bell peppers for a mix of bell and jalapeño peppers, and season with Cajun spice blend instead of Italian herbs.

Vegetarian Option

Skip the chicken and double up on vegetables – mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach make excellent additions for a meat-free alternative.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken One Pot Spaghetti is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

• A simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette
• Garlic bread for sopping up the last bits of sauce
• A glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 680mg

Makes 4 generous servings

Your New Weeknight Hero

There’s something almost magical about transforming simple ingredients into a satisfying meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor. This Chicken One Pot Spaghetti embodies that kitchen magic – it’s the dish I turn to when I want to nourish my family without spending hours in the kitchen.

The first time you make this recipe, you might be skeptical about cooking pasta directly in the sauce. Trust the process! That skepticism will quickly transform into delight when you taste how the pasta has absorbed all those wonderful flavors while creating its own silky sauce.

Whether you’re cooking for a hungry family, meal prepping for a busy week ahead, or simply looking to bring a little more ease to your dinner routine, this Chicken One Pot Spaghetti deserves a spot in your regular rotation. It’s comfort food simplified – proving that delicious, satisfying meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.