One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Chicken
Creamy tomato sauce infused with fresh basil and garlic, tossed with al dente pasta and pan-seared chicken in a single skillet. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs spaghetti, chicken breasts, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 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
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small, diced onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pasta water
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb chicken cubes and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: Add diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add crushed tomatoes, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Return chicken to skillet. Add drained spaghetti and toss to combine. Stir in 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil.
- Step 6: Cook for 2 minutes, then stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce coats the pasta.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Pasta with Chicken?
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 spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Chicken?
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 Pasta with Chicken 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 Pasta with Chicken?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★★
I've tried many pasta recipes and this is hands down the best.
