One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Penne
A rich, creamy pasta dish with tender chicken and sun-ripened tomatoes, all cooked in one pot for minimal cleanup. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, medium, finely chopped yellow onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 510 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
- 1 lb, boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, finely chopped yellow onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb chicken thighs (boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes) and cook for 5 minutes until golden brown, stirring occasionally.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped) and 3 cloves garlic (minced) to the pot, stirring for 2 minutes until fragrant and onion is translucent.
- Step 3: Pour in 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Add 8 oz penne pasta to the pot, stirring to submerge. Cook for 12 minutes, adding 1/4 cup water if sauce thickens too quickly, until pasta is al dente.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp fresh basil (chopped) and 1/4 cup grated parmesan. Let sit for 2 minutes to thicken before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Penne take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 Penne?
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 Penne?
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 Penne 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 Penne?
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
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
