One-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken with Garlic Penne
A comforting one-pot dinner featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato basil sauce, served over garlicky penne pasta. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 40 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, garlic cloves, minced 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
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 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 boneless skinless chicken thighs, seasoned with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and sear for 4 minutes on each side until golden brown but not cooked through; remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 diced medium yellow onion. Sauté over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes, 2 cups low sodium chicken broth, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 4: Add 8 oz penne pasta and the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet. Cover and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Step 5: Remove the lid, stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, and sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Let it cook uncovered for 2 more minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta and chicken evenly.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken with Garlic Penne take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 with Garlic 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken with Garlic 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 Tomato Basil Chicken with Garlic 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 Tomato Basil Chicken with Garlic Penne?
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.
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