One-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting weeknight dinner with tender chicken, sun-ripened tomatoes, and fresh basil simmered into a velvety sauce that coats every strand of pasta. This Italian-inspired one-pot recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs penne pasta, boneless chicken thighs, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 620 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season chicken thighs with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add chicken in a single layer and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown; remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the pot, then add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and dried oregano, bringing to a gentle simmer.
  3. Step 3: Add penne pasta to the pot, ensuring it's mostly submerged, then nestle seared chicken on top. Simmer uncovered for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid reduces slightly.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return to pot. Stir in fresh basil, heavy cream, and 1/2 cup Parmesan. Cook for 2 more minutes until sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon, adding 2 tbsp reserved pasta water if needed.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta?

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 Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta?

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 Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta 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 Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta?

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

Related recipes