One-Pot Spicy Chicken and Tomato Penne
A hearty one-pot pasta combining tender chicken, spicy tomato sauce, and penne for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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, cut into 1-inch cubes boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb cubed chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Step 3: Pour in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes and 2 cups chicken broth. Stir in 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Step 4: Add 12 oz penne pasta to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and sauce has thickened.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Serve hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spicy Chicken and Tomato 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 Spicy Chicken and Tomato 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 penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Spicy Chicken and Tomato 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 Spicy Chicken and Tomato 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 Spicy Chicken and Tomato Penne?
Italian pasta 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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