One-Pot Chicken and Tomato Pasta with Basil
A hearty, weeknight-friendly pasta dish where tender chicken and sun-ripened tomatoes meld with al dente spaghetti in a single pot. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, boneless and skinless chicken thighs, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1.5 lbs, boneless and skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1, diced yellow onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add to the pot and cook for 5 minutes until golden brown on all sides; remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the pot, then add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes to the pot, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Add spaghetti to the pot, stirring to submerge it completely. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 5: Return chicken to the pot and stir in chopped basil. Cook uncovered for 2 minutes until pasta is al dente and sauce has thickened slightly.
- Step 6: Remove from heat, stir in grated Parmesan, and serve immediately with extra basil for garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Chicken and Tomato Pasta with Basil take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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-Pot Chicken and Tomato Pasta with Basil?
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 spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Chicken and Tomato Pasta with Basil?
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-Pot Chicken and Tomato Pasta with Basil 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-Pot Chicken and Tomato Pasta with Basil?
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
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
