Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Chicken – A Budget-Friendly One-Pot Comfort Dinner
There are some recipes that I come back to again and again, especially on busy evenings when I want something warm, satisfying, and familiar—but without spending a lot of money or washing a sink full of dishes. This tomato basil pasta with balsamic chicken is one of those meals. I’ve cooked variations of this dish countless times, tweaking it for tighter budgets, healthier goals, and true weeknight simplicity. Every time, it delivers the same result: a cozy, Italian-inspired comfort food that feels special while still being incredibly easy.
This dish checks all the boxes I personally look for when developing recipes for everyday cooking. It’s budget friendly, built almost entirely from pantry staple ingredients, made in one pot, and still tastes like something you’d order at a casual Italian restaurant. Even better, it’s a meal I feel good serving to my family because it’s balanced, healthy, and deeply comforting.
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Why This Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Chicken Works
As a cook and recipe writer, I always ask myself one question before publishing a recipe: Will people actually make this again? This one-pot pasta earns a solid yes. The ingredient list is short and affordable, the cooking process is forgiving, and the flavors are universally loved.
The combination of tomato, basil, garlic, and balsamic vinegar creates a rich sauce that tastes slow-simmered, even though it comes together quickly. The chicken can be grilled for extra flavor or cooked right in the pot, making it flexible for any kitchen setup. Best of all, it’s the kind of comfort food you crave after a long day—warm, saucy, and filling without being heavy.
Ingredients You’ll Need (Exact Measurements)
This recipe serves 4 people.
- 12 oz (340 g) dried penne or rotini pasta
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (about ¾ cup)
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup (120 ml) pasta cooking water (as needed)
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Most of these items are true pantry staples, which makes this recipe especially appealing when you’re trying to keep grocery costs low. It’s one of my go-to cheap dinner ideas when I don’t want to sacrifice flavor.
Step-by-Step: How to Make This One Pot Recipe
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, or grill the chicken over medium heat for 6–7 minutes per side for a smoky flavor. Remove from the pan, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips. Set aside.
2. Build the Sauce
In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the onion for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the balsamic vinegar and let it simmer for 1 minute to mellow its acidity. This step is key to building depth in the sauce without adding expensive ingredients.
3. Cook the Pasta in the Sauce
Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and sugar (if using). Bring to a gentle boil, then stir in the pasta.
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens. Add pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
4. Finish the Dish
Return the sliced balsamic chicken to the pot and stir gently to coat it in the tomato basil sauce. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil. Top with Parmesan if desired.
Kitchen Tools That Make This Recipe Even Easier
Over the years, I’ve learned that the right tools can turn an already easy recipe into something almost effortless. These are three Amazon products I personally recommend for making this tomato basil pasta with balsamic chicken even smoother.
1. Large Nonstick Deep Skillet with Lid
A deep skillet is essential for true one pot meals. It allows the pasta to cook evenly in the sauce without spilling and gives enough surface area to brown the chicken properly.
Why I love it: It reduces cleanup and ensures even cooking.
Upgrade your weeknight cooking—check out a high-quality deep skillet on Amazon today.
2. Digital Meat Thermometer
Perfectly cooked chicken makes all the difference. A digital thermometer takes out the guesswork and keeps your chicken juicy and healthy.
Why I love it: No more dry chicken, ever.
Cook chicken with confidence—add a digital thermometer to your kitchen essentials.
3. Silicone Pasta Spoon
A good pasta spoon helps stir without breaking the noodles and protects nonstick surfaces.
Why I love it: Simple, affordable, and surprisingly versatile.
Make one-pot pasta nights easier—grab a silicone pasta spoon on Amazon.
Why This Is Healthy Comfort Food
This recipe strikes a balance I always aim for: it feels indulgent but supports everyday wellness. Lean protein from the chicken, a tomato-based sauce, and controlled portions of pasta keep it satisfying without being heavy.
Because it’s made from scratch, you control the sodium, sugar, and fat. That’s why I confidently classify this dish as both comfort food and healthy.
Serving Ideas & Weeknight Meal Planning
Serve this pasta with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep and next-day lunches.
This dish has become one of my most reliable weeknight meals—simple enough for Monday, comforting enough for Friday.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a simple Italian inspired dinner that fits real-life budgets and schedules, this tomato basil pasta with balsamic chicken deserves a spot in your rotation. It’s easy, affordable, deeply flavorful, and endlessly adaptable.
From my kitchen to yours, this is the kind of recipe that turns ordinary nights into comforting moments—one pot, one meal, and a lot less stress.
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