One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken and Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting, one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a velvety tomato-basil sauce that comes together in under 30 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breasts, olive oil, medium, diced 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, then add 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes) and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown on all sides.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot, stirring for 2 minutes until the onion is softened.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes, 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth, 8 oz penne pasta, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil and 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
  6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Creamy 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-Pot Creamy 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Creamy 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-Pot Creamy 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-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken and Pasta?

Italian pasta 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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