One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Chicken

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-02 · Updated 2026-04-02

A rich, creamy tomato pasta dish cooked entirely in one pot with tender chicken and fresh basil. This Italian-inspired one-pot recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs penne pasta, chicken breast, tomato sauce 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.

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb, thinly sliced chicken breast
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup fresh, chopped basil
• 3 cloves, minced garlic
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb thinly sliced chicken breast and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 2 cups tomato sauce and 1 tsp salt, then bring to a simmer.
3. Step 3: Add 12 oz penne pasta to the pot and stir to coat. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, then bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Step 5: Return chicken to the pot and stir in 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil. Cook for 2 more minutes until heated through, then serve immediately.