One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken with Penne
A hearty weeknight meal where chicken simmers in a vibrant tomato-basil sauce with pasta, all cooked in one skillet. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs Penne pasta, Tomato sauce, chopped Fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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
- 4 (6 oz each), sliced into 1-inch pieces Chicken breasts
- 8 oz Penne pasta
- 1 cup Tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh basil
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 sliced chicken pieces (6 oz each), season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper, and cook for 5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in 1 cup tomato sauce and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes.
- Step 3: Add 8 oz penne pasta and 2 cups water, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 10 minutes until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken with Penne take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 with Penne?
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 penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken with Penne?
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 with Penne 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 with Penne?
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
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
