One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Chicken and Spinach
A rich, creamy pasta dish cooked entirely in one pot with tender chicken, fresh tomatoes, and baby spinach for a satisfying, fuss-free dinner. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, penne pasta, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 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, boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 8 oz, penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, finely diced onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 14 oz, canned diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 4 oz, fresh spinach
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 12 oz boneless, skinless chicken thighs with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then add chicken and cook for 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 2: Add 1 finely diced medium onion to the pot and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add 8 oz penne pasta. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
- Step 4: Add 4 oz fresh spinach and the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir until spinach wilts and sauce thickens (about 2 minutes). Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Chicken and Spinach 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 Pasta with Chicken and Spinach?
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 Pasta with Chicken and Spinach?
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 Pasta with Chicken and Spinach 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 Pasta with Chicken and Spinach?
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
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
