One-Pot Chicken Spaghetti: The Ultimate Creamy, Cheesy Weeknight Dinner Recipe

By:

Julia Pacheco

One-Pot Chicken Spaghetti is the epitome of comfort food, reimagined for ultimate convenience. This irresistibly cheesy, lusciously creamy pasta dish brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a rich, flavorful sauce all in a single pot. Forget the endless piles of dishes and complex steps typically associated with hearty meals; this recipe is an easy twist on a beloved family-favorite casserole, designed to simplify your weeknights without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. It’s a complete meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy households seeking delicious, home-cooked food.

Prep:

10 minutes

Cook:

20 minutes

Total:

30 minutes

Servings:

5
servings

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Why This One-Pot Chicken Spaghetti Will Become Your Go-To

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, finding time to prepare a wholesome, delicious meal can be a challenge. That’s where this One-Pot Chicken Spaghetti comes to the rescue! This dish isn’t just about combining ingredients; it’s about simplifying your cooking process and maximizing flavor. It takes the beloved, comforting elements of classic chicken spaghetti – tender chicken, perfectly al dente pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce – and streamlines them into a single-pot wonder. This means less time scrubbing pots and pans, and more time enjoying a satisfying meal with your loved ones. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe promises ease, efficiency, and incredible taste, making it an essential addition to your weekly rotation.

The beauty of a one-pot meal lies in its ability to infuse all ingredients with a depth of flavor as they cook together. The chicken absorbs the savory spices, the onions and garlic meld with the tomatoes, and the spaghetti slowly simmers in a rich broth, soaking up every delicious note. The result is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s truly a complete meal in one, requiring minimal effort but delivering maximum enjoyment.

Ingredients

These carefully selected ingredients come together to create the signature creamy, cheesy, and savory profile of our One-Pot Chicken Spaghetti. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will always yield the best results, but feel free to explore common substitutions mentioned below to suit your pantry and preferences.

2 tbsp olive oil, divided
2 lbs chicken breast, cubed (boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used for extra richness)
2 tsp salt, divided
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 yellow onion, diced (white or red onion can be used too)
1 tbsp minced garlic
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (dried basil can be substituted, use 1 tsp)
10 oz can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained)
1 lb dry spaghetti (or other long pasta like linguine, broken in half)
4 ¼ cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
⅓ cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded (freshly grated is always best!)
⅓ cup heavy cream (for ultimate creaminess)

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a hearty and flavorful One-Pot Chicken Spaghetti. Remember, the key to a successful one-pot meal is consistent stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Begin by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat on your stove. Add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, add the cubed chicken breast to the pot. Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon of salt, black pepper, paprika, dried oregano, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir the chicken well to ensure it’s evenly coated in the aromatic spices. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the pot and transfer it to a plate. Set it aside for later. This initial browning adds a layer of flavor to the chicken and creates a fond (flavorful bits) at the bottom of the pot, which will contribute to the sauce’s richness.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Simmer Spaghetti
Using the same pot (no need to clean it – those browned bits are flavor!), add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Introduce the diced yellow onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and stir continuously for about 15 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Now, add the chopped fresh basil, the undrained can of Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), the dry spaghetti (you might need to break the spaghetti in half to ensure it fits submerged in the pot), chicken broth, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir all ingredients thoroughly to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, cover with a lid, and let it cook for 10-12 minutes. Remember to stir often during this time, every 1-2 minutes, to prevent the spaghetti from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to ensure it cooks evenly. The spaghetti should be al dente, tender with a slight bite, by the end of the cooking time.
Step 3: Finish with Cheese and Cream
Once the pasta is cooked to your desired tenderness, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded Mozzarella cheese, shredded Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and the pre-cooked chicken that you set aside. Continue to stir gently until all the cheeses have completely melted and the sauce has become wonderfully creamy and smooth, coating every strand of spaghetti and every piece of chicken. The residual heat from the pasta and sauce will be sufficient to melt the cheeses and warm the chicken through. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to your preference. Serve immediately and savor the rich, comforting flavors!

Tips for Perfect One-Pot Chicken Spaghetti

Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Use a large pot or Dutch oven (at least 5-6 quart capacity) to ensure all ingredients fit comfortably and cook evenly. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and a less desirable texture.
Break the Spaghetti: For easier handling and more even cooking in a single pot, break the dry spaghetti noodles in half before adding them to the pot. This also ensures all the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
Stir Frequently: This is crucial for one-pot pasta dishes. Stirring every minute or two during the simmering process prevents the pasta from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot and helps distribute the starches, contributing to a creamier sauce.
Adjust Liquid as Needed: While 4 ¼ cups of chicken broth is usually perfect, different brands of pasta or varying heat levels can affect liquid absorption. If your pasta seems too dry before it’s fully cooked, add a splash more broth (about ¼ cup at a time). If it’s too soupy after cooking, let it simmer uncovered for a minute or two to thicken slightly.
Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: While dried basil can be used, fresh basil adds a vibrant, aromatic freshness that truly elevates this dish. If using dried, remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so use about one-third of the amount of fresh (e.g., 1 tsp dried for ¼ cup fresh).
Quality Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella and Parmesan melt smoother and have a richer flavor than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
Taste and Season: Always taste your dish before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, or other seasonings to your personal preference. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick if you enjoy a little heat.

Creative Variations to Try

This One-Pot Chicken Spaghetti is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to customize it to your taste:

Spicy Kick: Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings for a delightful spicy edge. You can also use a “hot” variety of Rotel.
Add More Veggies: Sauté diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or even a handful of fresh spinach (stirred in at the very end until wilted) with the onions and garlic to boost your vegetable intake and add more color and nutrients.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with other melty cheeses like sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.
Cream of Mushroom/Chicken Soup: For an even richer, more traditional casserole-like flavor, you can replace about 1 cup of the chicken broth with a can of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup. Adjust salt accordingly.
Smoked Paprika: Swap regular paprika for smoked paprika to add a subtle smoky depth to the chicken and overall dish.
Herbal Twist: Try adding other dried herbs like thyme or a touch of rosemary for a different aromatic profile.

Serving Suggestions & Storage

Serving Your One-Pot Chicken Spaghetti

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or some crusty garlic bread for dipping into the creamy sauce. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional grated Parmesan cheese before serving adds a nice touch.

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this One-Pot Chicken Spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pasta tends to absorb more liquid as it sits, so it might thicken. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Nutrition

Understanding the nutritional value of your meals is important. Below is an approximation of the nutritional content per serving for this One-Pot Chicken Spaghetti recipe.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation. Dietary needs may vary.