One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken with Penne

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy tomato sauce with fresh basil and penne pasta for a comforting and quick weeknight meal. This italian-inspired meal prep ready in about 40 minutes pairs olive oil, medium yellow onion, finely chopped, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb cut chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 medium chopped yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes and 2 cups chicken broth. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  4. Step 4: Add 8 oz penne pasta and the partially cooked chicken back into the pot. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook uncovered for 2 more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Serve immediately or divide into containers for meal prep.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken with Penne take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 with 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 with 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 with 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 with Penne?

Italian meal prep 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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