If you’re looking for a hearty, wholesome meal that’s easy to whip up on a busy weeknight, look no further than this Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta recipe. With tender, juicy chicken, fresh spinach, and a creamy tomato-based sauce, this dish is packed with flavors and nutrients. Not only does it take just 30 minutes from start to finish, but it’s also a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies. Whether you’re feeding a family of four or meal-prepping for the week, this pasta is sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (diced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and browned.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Tomatoes
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. Then, stir in the diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Step 4: Add the Spinach
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts down, about 2-3 minutes. The spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition, making this dish as beautiful as it is tasty.
Step 5: Make it Creamy
Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese into the skillet. Stir well, allowing the sauce to thicken and become creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together so that the pasta is fully coated with the creamy tomato-spinach sauce.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
If you’re feeling fancy, garnish the pasta with some fresh basil before serving. Serve it hot and enjoy!
Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions:
- This dish pairs beautifully with a light side salad, perhaps dressed with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the pasta.
- Serve with garlic bread for that extra carb comfort. 🥖
- For a lighter meal, reduce the amount of pasta and serve the creamy chicken and spinach sauce over zoodles or spaghetti squash.
Storage:
- Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Freezer: While the sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months, pasta tends to get mushy when frozen. If you want to make this ahead of time, freeze just the sauce and cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve.
Helpful Notes
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a less creamy pasta, reduce the amount of heavy cream by half. Alternatively, if you want it extra indulgent, add an additional splash of cream.
- Chicken Swap: If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can swap it for turkey or shrimp. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add more veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers.
- Cheese Choices: Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or a bit of mozzarella for a gooey finish.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Jamie Oliver: “When making pasta, always reserve a bit of pasta water before draining. Adding a splash of the starchy water to your sauce can help thicken it and make it cling to the pasta better.”
- Ina Garten: “Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken. Give the pieces space to brown evenly for the best flavor.”
- Gordon Ramsay: “When cooking spinach, remember it wilts quickly. Cook it just until it softens to retain that vibrant green color.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh? Yes! Just thaw and drain the frozen spinach before adding it to the skillet to avoid excess water in the sauce.
- Can I substitute the heavy cream? Absolutely. Half-and-half or even whole milk can work in a pinch, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? It can be! Simply swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Can I make this dish dairy-free? Yes, you can replace the heavy cream with a plant-based cream (such as coconut cream) and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.
- How can I add more vegetables? You can toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or even peas to add extra nutrients and flavor.
- Can I use canned chicken? Yes, but fresh chicken will provide better texture. If using canned chicken, make sure to drain it well.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
- What kind of pasta works best? Penne is ideal for holding onto the creamy sauce, but other short pasta like rigatoni or farfalle would also work well.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Certainly! Feel free to experiment with mozzarella or even a bit of sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to keep the sauce from drying out. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Conclusion
In just 30 minutes, you can have a satisfying and nutritious meal on the table with this Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta. It’s a delicious blend of tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a creamy tomato sauce that will please any pasta lover. Perfect for busy weeknights or even a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe is both versatile and simple to make. The combination of fresh ingredients and a rich, creamy sauce creates a meal that’s not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients. Give this dish a try, and it just might become a new family favorite. Enjoy!