Go Back
Easy Tomato Basil Chicken and Pasta Recipe for a Quick Dinner

Easy Tomato Basil Chicken and Pasta

This quick skillet dinner combines seasoned chicken, penne pasta, tomatoes, garlic, basil, and Parmesan in a fresh, savory sauce. It makes 4 generous servings and comes together in about 35–40 minutes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Chicken
  • 12 ounces Penne or other short pasta
  • 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil, divided
Sauce
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 14.5-ounce can Diced tomatoes, preferably no-salt-added
  • 1/2 cup Chicken broth
Seasoning and Finish
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt, divided, plus more for pasta water
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1/2 cup Fresh basil leaves, sliced or torn, plus extra for serving
  • 1/2 cup Finely grated Parmesan cheese
Optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red pepper flakes

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente according to the package directions, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, and then drain.
  2. Season the chicken pieces with the Italian seasoning, about 1/2 teaspoon of the kosher salt, and the black pepper. Toss well so every piece is lightly coated.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through, then transfer it to a plate.
  4. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Cook the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  5. Add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomato mixture is slightly reduced.
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss until everything is coated, adding a little reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh basil and Parmesan. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper, then serve immediately with extra basil and Parmesan.

Notes

Cook the pasta slightly under the package timing because it finishes in the tomato sauce. Add basil and Parmesan off the heat for the freshest flavor and smoothest cheese. Use reserved pasta water instead of extra oil to loosen the sauce. Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container and reheat gently with a splash of broth or water.