One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, tomato-based pasta dish with tender chicken and fresh basil, made entirely in one pot for easy cleanup and maximum flavor. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 40 minutes pairs penne pasta, chicken breasts, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 3.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat; add 1.5 lbs diced chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature), then remove from pot.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 finely chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot, cooking for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 8 oz penne pasta, 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 cup chicken broth, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta begins to soften.
  4. Step 4: Add cooked chicken back to pot with 1/4 cup fresh basil and 1/2 cup heavy cream; stir until sauce thickens and coats pasta (3-4 minutes), then remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta 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 Creamy Tomato Basil 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 penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil 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 Basil 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 Basil 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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