Craving a delicious and easy weeknight meal? This One-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta is a perfect healthy chicken dinner recipe for two that delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. You’ll love how quickly you can create a satisfying and fresh meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Chicken Breast: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: Fresh chopped tomatoes can be used, but adjust cooking time.
- Pasta: Any short pasta like penne, rotini, or farfalle works well. Whole wheat pasta is a good healthy option.
- Fresh Basil: Dried basil can be used, but fresh offers a brighter flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth is a suitable substitute.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces short pasta
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Calories per serving: Approximately 550 calories
- Tools Needed: Large pot or Dutch oven
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. You don’t need to cook it through entirely at this stage.
2. Sauté Aromatics
Push the chicken to one side of the pot. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Combine Ingredients and Cook Pasta
Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the pasta, making sure it’s mostly submerged in the liquid.
4. Simmer and Finish
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it cools.
5. Stir in Basil and Season
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh chopped basil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, optionally topped with grated Parmesan cheese for a delightful healthy chicken dinner recipe for two.
Variation Ideas:
- Add a handful of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for extra greens.
- Stir in a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Include diced bell peppers or zucchini with the onion for more vegetables.
- For a creamy touch, stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or a splash of milk at the very end.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover One-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the pasta and prevent it from drying out. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can you make this recipe ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can certainly prepare this healthy chicken dinner recipe for two ahead of time. The pasta may absorb more sauce, so you might need to add extra broth when reheating.
What kind of pasta works best?
Any short, sturdy pasta like penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni will work wonderfully.
Can you use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breast, but you’ll need to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cutting and browning.
How do you prevent the pasta from sticking?
Stirring occasionally during the simmering process is key to preventing the pasta from clumping or sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Cooked pasta can sometimes become mushy when frozen and thawed. While you can freeze leftovers, the texture may change slightly.
How can you make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic or a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end for an extra kick.