If you’re craving a dinner that’s bursting with bold flavors yet comes together with minimal fuss, One-Pan Chicken Puttanesca Spaghetti is your new go-to dish. This vibrant pasta dinner combines tender chicken, briny olives, capers, and a lightly spicy tomato sauce, all cooked in a single skillet to save you time on both cooking and cleanup. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without the hassle. Ready in under 40 minutes, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.

Top Reasons to Make One-Pan Chicken Puttanesca Spaghetti

Speed and simplicity: Cooking everything in one pan means fewer dishes and less time standing over the stove.
Bold, complex flavors: The combination of olives, capers, garlic, and red pepper flakes creates a sauce that’s tangy, salty, and slightly spicy.
Protein-packed: Chicken thighs add juicy, tender protein that complements the pasta perfectly.
Customizable: Easily adjust the heat level or add extra veggies to make it your own.
Perfect for leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully for lunches or quick dinners the next day.

Ingredient Breakdown

8 ounces spaghetti: The classic pasta base that soaks up all the delicious sauce. Use your favorite brand or type.
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces: Thighs stay moist and flavorful during cooking.
3 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and garlic, adding richness and depth.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic provides an aromatic backbone to the sauce.
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle kick; adjust to taste based on your spice preference.
1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes: Forms the base of the sauce with bright, fresh tomato flavor.
1/2 cup chicken broth: Helps cook the pasta and infuses it with extra savory flavor.
1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved: These bring a briny, salty pop that defines puttanesca sauce.
2 tablespoons capers, drained: Another salty, tangy element that enhances the sauce complexity.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a warm, herby note that complements the Mediterranean flavors.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
Fresh basil, for garnish: Brightens the dish with fresh herbal freshness.
Grated parmesan cheese, for serving (optional): Adds a nutty, creamy finish if desired.

Essential Tools for Success

Large deep skillet or sauté pan: Big enough to hold all ingredients and liquid for even cooking.
Sharp knife and cutting board: For chopping chicken, garlic, and olives efficiently.
Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula: To stir the sauce and pasta without scratching your pan.
Measuring spoons and cups: Accurate measurements help balance flavors perfectly.
Colander: For draining pasta if needed, though ideally the pasta cooks in the sauce liquid.

How to Prepare One-Pan Chicken Puttanesca Spaghetti

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Heat olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken thighs, seasoned lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Sauce Base

Reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the same skillet. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, kalamata olives, capers, and dried oregano. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Add the Spaghetti

Break the spaghetti in half and add it directly to the skillet, submerging it in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 12-15 minutes. Add a splash of extra broth or water if the pasta needs more liquid to cook evenly.

Step 4: Return Chicken and Finish

Once the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened slightly, return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through and marry the flavors.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh basil leaves and grated parmesan cheese if using. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant, savory flavors.

Make It Your Way

Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts or even shrimp for a seafood twist.
Add chopped spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for extra greens.
Use gluten-free spaghetti to make this meal gluten-friendly.
For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end.
Adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance.

Flavor Logic

The magic of One-Pan Chicken Puttanesca Spaghetti lies in balancing salty, spicy, and tangy notes. Kalamata olives and capers bring a briny punch, anchoring the dish with Mediterranean flair. The garlic and red pepper flakes add aromatic heat, while the oregano lends a warm herbal touch. Juicy chicken thighs introduce a satisfying richness, all brought together by the bright acidity of diced tomatoes. Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce allows it to soak up every bit of flavor, ensuring each bite is deeply satisfying.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and warm gently in a skillet or microwave to prevent drying out.

This dish freezes well, too. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.

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Before You Go

Before you dive into this flavorful One-Pan Chicken Puttanesca Spaghetti, gather all your ingredients and prep your chicken and garlic ahead of time for a smooth cooking experience. Don’t skip the fresh basil garnish—it adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens the entire dish. And remember, the beauty of this recipe is in its flexibility, so feel free to tweak the ingredients and heat level to suit your taste buds perfectly.

With its irresistible combination of juicy chicken, tangy tomatoes, briny olives, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is sure to become a staple in your dinner lineup. Plus, it’s a great way to impress family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a delicious, fuss-free meal that hits all the right flavor notes.

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