One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken with Rice

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting, all-in-one meal featuring tender chicken in a rich tomato-basil sauce, served over perfectly cooked rice for a satisfying weeknight dinner. This italian-american-inspired one pot ready in about 50 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 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Italian-American cuisine 510 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs cubed chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown on all sides, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 diced medium onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot, sautéing for 3 minutes until onion is translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until darkened, then add 1 can diced tomatoes and 1 cup chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken to pot, add 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1 tsp salt, then bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 cup uncooked rice, cover, and cook on low heat for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, stirring once halfway through.
  6. Step 6: Remove lid, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then let rest covered for 5 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Rice?

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 Rice?

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 Rice 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 Rice?

Italian-American 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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