One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Pasta
A simple yet flavorful one-pan meal with chicken breasts, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil, tossed with cooked pasta for a satisfying dinner. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 30 minutes pairs ounces penne pasta, tablespoons olive oil, medium, finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 pound, cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breasts
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, fresh, chopped basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup, reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 8 ounces penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound cubed chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through, then set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 finely chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened, then add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 can crushed tomatoes, 1/4 cup fresh basil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, then bring to a simmer for 3 minutes.
- Step 5: Add the cooked penne and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to the skillet, stirring until the sauce coats the pasta. Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for 2 more minutes until heated through.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ounces penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Pasta?
Italian one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! So easy and delicious, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★★
This is my new go-to recipe. The chicken was juicy and the pasta cooked perfectly in the sauce.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty, but the basil was a bit overpowering and I had to add extra salt.
