Get ready for an easy, flavorful, and healthy take on spaghetti! This One Pot Healthy Spaghetti is packed with protein, loaded with veggies, and comes together in no time — it’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or feeding a crowd!
Table of Contents
What is One Pot Healthy Spaghetti?
One-pot healthy spaghetti is the ultimate shortcut to a hearty, nourishing meal without the hassle of multiple dishes. Everything cooks together in a single pot, allowing the pasta to soak up all the flavors from the sauce, seasonings, and veggies. The result? A rich, well-balanced dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat.
What sets this recipe apart is the use of chickpea pasta, which brings extra protein and fiber to the table. It’s a simple swap that adds nutritional value while keeping the texture and taste satisfying. Plus, with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a savory sauce, this dish proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland or boring.
Ingredients You Need
- Chickpea Spaghetti Pasta – This high-protein, fiber-rich pasta is a fantastic alternative to traditional pasta. It holds up well in sauce and adds a subtle nuttiness.
- Shallots – These cousins to standard onions bring a mild, slightly sweet onion flavor that enhances the overall taste. Chop them finely for the best distribution.
- Red Bell Peppers – The natural sweetness of these peppers balances out the savory flavors in the sauce.
- Orange or Yellow Bell Peppers – These add a pop of color and a slightly different level of sweetness. Mixing different colors creates depth in flavor and creates a pretty presentation!
- Mushrooms – The earthy, umami-rich taste of mushrooms deepens the sauce’s flavor. Slice them thinly so they soften beautifully as they cook.
- Cooked Chicken – Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds tender, juicy bites of protein. Shred or dice it — your choice!
- Italian Seasoning – This blend of herbs brings warmth and depth to the pasta. It’s a simple way to build layers of flavor without any extra effort.
- Chicken or Veggie Broth – Cooking the pasta in broth instead of water infuses it with extra flavor.
- Marinara Sauce – A good marinara adds richness and ties everything together. Look for one with minimal added sugar and clean ingredients.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic is essential for a robust and aromatic base. Mince it yourself (instead of using jarred) for the best flavor.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Oil adds richness and helps coat the ingredients in a silky texture. Use a high-quality olive oil for the best taste.
- Sea Salt – A pinch of salt brings out all of the natural flavors in the dish. Adjust it to taste based on the saltiness of your broth.
- Black Pepper – A touch of freshly ground black pepper adds just the right amount of warmth and gentle heat.
- Fresh Basil – This herb brightens up the dish with its fresh, slightly peppery flavor. Chop it just before adding for maximum freshness.
- Parmesan Cheese – This optional garnish brings a salty, nutty finish to the dish. Freshly grated is always best!
How to Make One Pot Healthy Spaghetti
- Combine Everything. Place the uncooked pasta, vegetables, chicken, broth, marinara sauce, garlic, olive oil, and seasonings in a large pot or Dutch oven. Give it a good stir to mix everything evenly.
- Bring to a Simmer. Heat over medium-high until the liquid starts to bubble. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- Cover and Cook. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it cook until the pasta is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Garnish and Serve. Stir in fresh basil, sprinkle with parmesan cheese, and serve warm. The sauce will thicken as it sits, so don’t worry if it looks a little loose at first!
Variations
- Vegetarian – Swap the chicken for chickpeas or white beans for a plant-based protein boost.
- Spice – Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a kick of heat.
- Pasta – If chickpea pasta isn’t your thing, try lentil, quinoa, or whole wheat pasta for another nutrient-packed option.
- Protein – Use ground turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a unique twist.
- Greens – Stir in spinach, kale, or zucchini for extra vitamins and minerals.
- Creamy – Mix in a dollop of ricotta or a splash of coconut milk for a richer texture.
- Sauce – Swap the marinara for a pesto or roasted red pepper sauce for a different flavor profile.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes! The pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of broth when reheating.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Common Questions about Chickpea Pasta
Yes! Chickpea pasta has more protein and fiber than traditional pasta, making it a great choice for a more balanced meal.
It has a slightly nutty and earthy flavor, but once it’s coated in sauce, it’s very similar to regular pasta.
Absolutely! You can leave out the chicken or replace it with a plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu.
Chickpea pasta is more delicate than regular pasta. Stir it gently and avoid overcooking to keep it intact.
More Easy One Pot Recipes
If you’re on the prowl for one-pot recipes that are as easy to make as they are to clean up after, these delicious faves are going to be your new go-to recipes!
One Pot Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 16 ounces chickpea spaghetti pasta or regular spaghetti uncooked
- 2 small shallots chopped
- 1/2 cup red bell peppers chopped
- 1/2 cup orange or yellow bell peppers chopped
- 1/2 cup mushrooms chopped
- 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken shredded (or any cooked chicken ), optional
- 1 Tablespoons Italian seasoning mix salt free
- 24 ounces chicken or veggie broth
- 12 ounces good quality marinara sauce
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons sea salt more or less to taste
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large, deep dutch oven add your uncooked pasta, shallots, peppers, mushrooms, cooked chicken, Italian seasoning, broth, marinara sauce, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper. Stir until everything is combined.16 ounces chickpea spaghetti pasta or regular spaghetti, 1/2 cup mushrooms, 1/2 cup red bell peppers, 1/2 cup orange or yellow bell peppers, 2 small shallots, 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, 4 cloves garlic, 2 teaspoons sea salt more or less to taste, 1 Tablespoons Italian seasoning mix, 12 ounces good quality marinara sauce, 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 24 ounces chicken or veggie broth, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 12-14 minutes. Sprinkle with basil and parmesan cheese. *if pasta seems too saucy, don't worry it will thicken as it sits!1/4 cup fresh basil, 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Equipment
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What kind of pot to use?
You can use any heavy pot. We use our Le Creuset enameled pot. A non-stick pot will work as well.
What is so great about a One Pot Pasta?
We LOVE how easy a one pot pasta is. You essentially dump all the ingredients in a pot and cook. No boiling the pasta required. It’s great for a busy weeknight meal.
How to make this One Pot Pasta
In a large pot add all your ingredients, even the cooked chicken!
Bring to a boil, cover and cook for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is cooked. Top with parmesan cheese shavings and fresh basil. It’s THAT easy!
Notes
Plant-based
If you love this recipe, you can make this One Pot Caprese Pasta using the chickpea rotini pasta, it can also be made completely vegan or with an option to add chicken. Either way you decide to make it, it’s going to be amazing!
This was so easy and yummy! I love your one pot meals but I do find the pasta at the bottom sticks basly and I don’t know how to avoid this. Do you have any tips for that? Thanks ladies!
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Taylor! Make sure ot give the pasta a stir intermittently and use a very large pot. We hope this helps!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
May I use a different pasta shape and can I sauté my veggies a bit before adding everything together?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like! Absolutely, you can sauté the veggies as well. We hope you enjoy!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Love the food dolls recipes but I tried to half this and did not go so well. There was not enough liquid in there to get it done, and stuck like crazy. I ended up adding a bunch more broth and tomato sauce. Even with all the extra added it ended up looking as pictured. I then had to adjust spices to compensate. My thought for next time, cut the pasta portion in half, and keep all other measurements the same. Because I added enough to equal out to what the original chicken broth and tomato sauce measurements were, and also it will help it cook that pasta, which was problematic with lower moisture levels. There just was not enough liquid to cook that pasta halved.
Thank you for the feedback, Blair! We’re sorry to hear it didn’t work out for you and will be sure to test it again.
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Thank you so much for making an allergy friendly meal!!!!! Means so much to us that have food allergies, and our family members have food allergies. One pot cooking? Delicious food? Gluten and dairy free? Win! Win! Win!
hello I love your recipes I want to make this one what can do to make it be less sodium intake
Hi Linda! You could look for low-sodium marinara, broth, etc. Then, skip the rotisserie chicken, and make your own shredded chicken without salt. We hope you enjoy!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Quick, easy and delish, will be on my weekly menu
Love it, we are glad it made the weekly menu! 🙂
Could this be made in a crockpot? I don’t have a dutch oven. I just wonder how long to leave it in the crockpot and how would the chick pea pasta do in a crockpot? I’m excited to try it, and so glad to find the Food dolls! They help me feel like I can actually do this😃 I am not a good planner, so I appreciate uncomplicated and user-friendly…this is it!
You don’t need a dutch oven, you can use any 5qt pot or stockpot!
This recipe is amazing!!
One quick tip though…I’d add the olive oil/sauce/broth to the pan first. I put the uncooked pasta in first and even though I mixed it well, some pasta burned and stick to the bottom and of the pan and totally smoked like CRAZY. I had to finish it in the oven cause the smoke was coming out the sides of my Dutch oven😂
Other than that quick tip- this recipe is DELISH. Even with smokey flavoring😉😂
I was tired and scrolling through Instagram avoiding trying to figure out what to eat. This recipe popped up, and just by how easy it looked, I jumped up.
Holy smokes was it tasty and super easy! It truly took no time and this will be a new go-to in my home!
LOVE IT! This makes us so happy! Love hearing this.