One-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken with Penne

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

A hearty, hands-off meal with tender chicken simmered in a vibrant tomato-basil sauce over al dente penne pasta. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

★ 4.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch cubes) and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the pot. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent, then add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1/2 pound uncooked penne pasta, then return the chicken to the pot. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and cook for 1 minute until wilted.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken with Penne 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 with 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 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 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 Penne?

American chicken 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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