One-Pan Tomato Basil Pasta with Chicken

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Weeknight dinner that simmers to tender perfection in a single skillet, featuring juicy chicken and fresh basil in a vibrant tomato sauce. This italian-inspired kid friendly ready in about 35 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, chicken breast for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 2, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 8 oz penne pasta, and cook for 8 minutes until al dente; drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 6 oz chicken breast (cut into 1-inch cubes), and cook for 5 minutes until golden and cooked through; remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 small onion (finely chopped) and cook for 2 minutes until softened, then add 2 cloves garlic (minced) and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 14 oz can diced tomatoes, 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped), 1/2 tsp dried oregano, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper; simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens.
  5. Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the drained penne pasta, stir to coat, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated parmesan; cook for 2 minutes until cheese melts.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Tomato Basil Pasta with Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Pasta with Chicken?

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 Pasta with Chicken?

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 Pasta with Chicken for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Pasta with Chicken?

Italian kid friendly 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.

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