One-Pot Creamy Tomato and Chicken Pasta

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

A comforting, creamy pasta dish made entirely in one pot with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a velvety sauce that comes together in under 30 minutes. This Italian-inspired one-pot recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs chicken thighs, olive oil, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 500 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 small diced onion and 2 cloves minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Add 8 oz penne pasta and 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces) to the pot. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and sauce thickens.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup fresh basil. Cook for 2 more minutes until heated through and sauce coats the pasta.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Creamy Tomato and Chicken Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Creamy Tomato and Chicken 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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Creamy Tomato and Chicken 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-Pot Creamy Tomato and Chicken 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-Pot Creamy Tomato and Chicken 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.

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