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One Pot Chicken Spaghetti is the weeknight hero you need, featuring chunks of chicken, spaghetti, and a creamy tomato sauce that cooks together in just one pot for easy preparation and even easier cleanup. With only 10 minutes of hands-on time, it’s a family-friendly dinner that tastes like it simmered all afternoon.
Try This Next: My Southern Potato Salad or German Potato Salad are more crave-worthy side dish options perfect for a BBQ!
Growing up, spaghetti night meant a sink full of dishes. The first time we tried this one-pot method, we were amazed at how perfectly the pasta absorbed the saucy flavors while remaining silky, rather than mushy.
It’s been on repeat ever since, especially when the schedule is packed but everyone still craves a cozy, from-scratch meal.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Everything, including the pasta, cooks in the same pot, so cleanup is minimal.
- It has an incredibly creamy tomato flavor, and with parmesan stirred in at the end, it mellows the jarred sauce, making it the perfect texture.
- Ready in under 40 minutes but hearty enough to keep everyone full!
- Swap in rotisserie chicken, add veggies, or kick up the heat with red pepper flakes.
RECIPE WALK-THROUGH
How To Make One-Pot Chicken Spaghetti
See the recipe card below for full, detailed instructions
Before You Begin
Gather and measure all of your ingredients, chop the onion and chicken, and set out the spaghetti and seasonings. Having everything prepped up front makes the cooking process smooth and keeps the pasta from overcooking while you hunt for the Parmesan grater.
Tools and Equipment
- 5-quart Dutch oven or deep skillet with lid
- Long tongs
- Sharp chef’s knife and cutting board
- Box grater for Parmesan
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- Spaghetti sauce: Any 24-ounce jar works; choose one you love, since it’s the flavor base. We love the Rao’s brand!
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the dish from becoming too salty when the liquid reduces.
- Bay leaves: Add subtle depth. Just remember to pull them out before serving, or warn people not to eat them!
- Freshly shredded Parmesan: Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-grated cheese.
How To Make One Pot Chicken Spaghetti
- Sauté aromatics and chicken: Heat olive oil, soften onion, then add garlic and chicken; season and brown.
- Add liquids and seasoning: Pour in spaghetti sauce, broth, water, Italian seasoning, bay leaves and a pinch of salt; bring to a boil.
- Cook the pasta: Add dry spaghetti, pressing it under the liquid. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 17-20 minutes, stirring once so the noodles stay submerged.
- Finish with cheese: Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan a handful at a time until creamy. Scatter parsley on top and serve hot with extra cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Short shapes, such as penne or rotini, work well, but check for doneness frequently to ensure you don’t overcook the pasta.
What if my sauce looks too thick before the pasta is done?
Splash in a few tablespoons of hot water or broth and stir; the pasta will absorb the extra liquid.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a simple green salad and garlic bread to mop up the sauce. Stir in a handful of baby spinach during the last minute for a pop of color, or swap half the spaghetti sauce for fire-roasted tomatoes for an extra smoky flavor.
Storage Tips
How to Store Leftovers
Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a small pot on the stove.
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this finished dish because the pasta gets mushy upon reheating.
Recipe Tips
- Cut the chicken into uniform 2-inch pieces so it cooks evenly.
- Stir only once while simmering; constant stirring releases starch and can make the sauce gluey.
- Reserve a little Parmesan for garnish! It adds a salty finish and makes it look so delicious!
- Double the recipe in a larger pot to feed a crowd or guarantee leftovers for lunch.
More Easy One Pot Meals
- One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta
- One Pot Mac and Cheese
- One Pan Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- One Pan Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta
- One Pot Chicken Alfredo Recipe
One Pot Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1/2 cup Diced onion
- 2 Garlic cloves minced
- 1 pound Boneless skinless chicken breasts about 2 large, cut into 2-inch chunks
- 24 ounces Spaghetti sauce
- 1 cup Low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 Bay leaves
- Kosher salt to taste
- 1/2 pound Uncooked spaghetti
- 1 cup Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese or more, to taste
- 1 tablespoon Fresh minced parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil in a 5-quart pot or skillet with high sides over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring frequently, until softened; about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and diced chicken breast to the pan and season with salt and pepper. Cook chicken until browned on all sides, but not completely done (it will continue cooking with the sauce).
- Add spaghetti sauce, chicken broth, water and Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt and bring to a boil.
- Add spaghetti and use tongs to "stir" spaghetti and submerge completely in the liquid. If necessary, bring back up to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low.
- Simmer for about 17-20 minutes, stirring at least once with the tongs to keep the pasta submerged in liquid. Cautiously add a little bit more water or chicken broth if it seems dry.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded Parmesan, reserving about 2 tablespoons for the garnish, if desired. It may be easier to get the cheese to melt if you stir in a little at a time.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and with more Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer Kristin Maxwell of “Yellow Bliss Road” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. For accurate calorie counts and other nutritional values, we recommend running the ingredients through your preferred online nutritional calculator. Calories and other nutritional values can vary depending on which brands were used.
Easy to make, very delicious. I’ve added it to my recipe menu. Tastes great with a Pinot Noir! Thank you!
You are so welcome Corrina! Awesome feedback, thanks for stopping by.
I never leave a comment on the recipes that I try but I had to for this one. I have to admit I was concerned on the amount of pasta sauce in the recipe thinking it was going to be too much and it would be super saucy. Thankfully I was wrong. The spaghetti soaked it right up! I have never done a one pot spaghetti recipe before but I’m glad I tried it this recipe because it was so delicious!! It is so flavourful. I don’t think I will ever just boil spaghetti in water anymore. This way tastes so much better! I highly recommend. Thanks for sharing!!
You are so welcome Jen! Thank you for taking the time to share the awesome feedback.
I have made it, very easy and my family loved it. Making it tonight. Quick and easy
Thanks for stopping by Lauren!
Not bad but nothing extra special, either. I wish I had used a different tomato sauce. The one I used was rather bland. You need to make sure you separate the pasta as it cooks or you’ll end up with a big glob!
Loved this recipe! It came out perfect. Did have to cook a bit longer because I like more done noodles but just added more chicken stock. Thanks for the great dinner.
You are so welcome Becky! Thanks for the awesome feedback.
I’m planning on making it for dinner but how long does it take to fully make this?
Hi, I’ve updated the recipe card to reflect the times that were missing. This dish takes about 35-45 minutes, including prep and cooking.
I have never left a comment in 20 years of internet cooking so this is a first. Fantastic budget friendly meal for the family. For me though, too starchy. I like the idea of the sauce absorbtion so next time I will partially cook the pasta.
Totally understand about the starchiness, however if you partially cook the pasta first you run the risk of it being mushy.
I know we just had your Chicken and spaghetti the other night but for some reason I am craving it again……????.
The simplicity and the quickness. And of course the great taste will real you in everytime….
Well Kristin:
It was a hit. I will definitely be back for more delishiousiness.
Thsnks so much for the speedy but ever so tasty chicken and spaghetti dinner.?????…….
You are so welcome Craig! Thanks for stopping by.
So Kristin,
I have made your version of chicken and spaghetti, about to serve it to my family.
It looks and the aroma is really nice.
Stsy turned for the final test. ?
Kristin,
Question: could I cook my pasta separately, and then add it to the rest of the pan. Or does it need the starch?
The pasta cooks in the liquid. If you wanted to cook the pasta separately, you could and just leave out the chicken broth and water. It would alter the flavor but it would still be tasty.
Kristin,
Just so you know I did cook it in the same pot.
And I was delicious. If I had cook it separately it would have been very Blan…..
Kristin,
I am making this deliciousness tonight for supper. I really hope it is as good as you say. As my family isn’t that much of a pasta family.Myself. I will let you know…..
This was so easy to make. I omitted some of the ingredients because the hubby is a picky eater and it still tasted awesome. I will be making this again.
Good! Will re-do!
I made this recipe and it was so easy, full of flavor and now is one of my husband’s favorite dish.
THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH FOR SHARING ?
You’re so welcome Fidela! thank you so much for stopping by!
How to I keep my noodles from sticking?
Stir them a few time while cooking. That should help. Also the temperature may be too high.