When dinner needs to be quick, comforting, and family-approved, this Chicken Cheese One Pot Spaghetti is the answer. It’s creamy, flavorful, and loaded with tender chicken and melted cheese — all cooked together in just one pot for the easiest cleanup ever. I tried this once using rotisserie chicken and sharp cheddar, and the flavor was out of this world. It’s one of those cozy, satisfying meals that feels indulgent but takes minimal effort — perfect for weeknights or whenever you need something delicious on the table fast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Cheese One Pot Spaghetti delivers everything you love about creamy pasta dishes, without the extra dishes. The spaghetti cooks right in the flavorful broth, soaking up every bit of creamy, cheesy goodness. The sauce is rich yet perfectly balanced with savory chicken and melted cheese. It’s hearty enough to stand alone as a full meal, and it reheats beautifully — though you’ll be lucky if there are any leftovers!
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Chicken Cheese One Pot Spaghetti (Creamy, Cheesy, and So Easy)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Chicken Cheese One Pot Spaghetti is a quick, creamy, and cheesy pasta dish loaded with tender chicken, melty cheese, and flavorful herbs — all cooked together in one pot for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. It’s a family-friendly comfort meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 12 oz uncooked spaghetti (broken in half)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large deep skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and milk, then bring to a gentle boil.
- Add uncooked spaghetti to the pot, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Stir in butter, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add the cooked chicken back into the pot and toss to coat evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a faster prep option.
- For extra creaminess, add 2 oz of cream cheese before mixing in the shredded cheese.
- Substitute spaghetti with penne or fettuccine if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- 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, diced or shredded. Rotisserie chicken also works great for convenience.
Spaghetti – Regular or thin spaghetti cooks perfectly in the creamy sauce.
Butter – Adds richness and helps develop that silky texture in the sauce.
Olive oil – Helps sauté the chicken and adds flavor.
Garlic – Freshly minced for that irresistible aroma and flavor.
Onion – Adds depth and a hint of sweetness to the sauce.
Chicken broth – The base liquid that gives the spaghetti flavor as it cooks.
Heavy cream – Makes the sauce creamy and luscious. Half-and-half or evaporated milk can be substituted for a lighter version.
Cream cheese – Melts into the sauce, making it extra smooth and creamy.
Cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully for that gooey, cheesy finish. You can also use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend.
Italian seasoning – Brings herbs and balance to the rich flavors.
Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the ingredients.
Parsley (optional) – For garnish and a touch of freshness.
Directions
Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked — about 6–7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
In the same pot, add onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Add uncooked spaghetti directly into the pot, ensuring the noodles are mostly submerged. Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the cream cheese until melted and smooth. Add the cooked chicken back into the pot, followed by shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is creamy and evenly coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with 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 serves 4–6 people and takes 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time — ready in just 30 minutes total.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess. You can also microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Avoid freezing, as the cream-based sauce may separate when thawed.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Chicken Spaghetti
Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a little heat.
Broccoli Chicken Pasta
Add steamed or roasted broccoli florets for a hearty and balanced meal.
Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti
Stir in buffalo sauce for a tangy, spicy twist that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
Mushroom Chicken Pasta
Add sautéed mushrooms for earthy flavor and extra creaminess.
Cheesy Bacon Chicken Spaghetti
Add crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky, indulgent touch.
Three-Cheese Version
Use a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan for ultra-cheesy flavor.
Garlic Herb Chicken Pasta
Increase the garlic and add fresh basil or thyme for a fragrant version.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, rotisserie or leftover chicken works perfectly — just add it near the end to heat through.
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, penne, fettuccine, or rotini all work great — just adjust the cooking time.
Can I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly for a lighter version.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely — spinach, peas, or broccoli are delicious options.
How do I make it extra creamy?
Add a bit more cream cheese or a splash of milk while stirring.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar adds great flavor, but mozzarella melts the smoothest.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dish up to a day in advance and reheat gently with a splash of cream.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely — use a larger pot to ensure the pasta cooks evenly.
How do I keep the pasta from sticking?
Stir occasionally while cooking and ensure there’s enough liquid for the spaghetti to move freely.
Conclusion
This Chicken Cheese One Pot Spaghetti is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor — the kind of meal that brings comfort and smiles to the dinner table. With juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a velvety sauce all cooked in one pot, it’s the perfect blend of convenience and indulgence. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal cleanup. One bite, and you’ll understand why it’s a keeper — rich, satisfying, and truly magical.
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