There is something incredibly comforting about a rich, creamy pasta dish that brings together fresh ingredients in perfect harmony, which is exactly what this Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta Recipe does. Featuring tender bites of seasoned chicken, vibrant spinach, luscious tomatoes, and a decadently creamy sauce, this dish is a weeknight game changer. It’s simple enough to whip up without fuss but delivers layers of flavor and texture that make every bite irresistible. If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug and looks gorgeous on the plate, this recipe is ready to become your new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating a meal packed with flavor, freshness, and creaminess. Together, they build a dish that’s balanced and satisfying in every way.
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, farfalle, or your choice): The perfect tender base that holds onto the creamy sauce for maximum flavor in every bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps cook the chicken to a beautiful golden brown.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Provides lean protein and soaks up all the spices and sauce wonderfully.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that infuses the chicken and sauce with classic Mediterranean warmth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth and a subtle punch that lifts the whole dish.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice: Brings fresh, slightly tangy sweetness and gorgeous color to the sauce.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped: Brightens the dish with color and nutrition, wilting down to tender perfection.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates a luxuriously smooth and silky sauce that ties everything together.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnishing: Adds a nutty, salty richness and a bit of umami complexity.
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnishing (optional): A fresh herbaceous note that adds brightness and an inviting aroma.
How to Make Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until it’s perfectly al dente, following the package instructions. This ensures the pasta has just the right bite and won’t become mushy once mixed with the sauce later. Drain it well and set it aside while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add your bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Brown the chicken until it’s cooked through and slightly crispy on the edges, which locks in flavor and gives a lovely texture contrast in the final dish. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to that skillet with the chicken and sauté just until it becomes fragrant, about a minute. Garlic cooks quickly — you want it golden and aromatic without burning to keep the flavor mellow and inviting.
Step 4: Simmer with Tomatoes
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juice and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer so all those flavors marry and the sauce begins to thicken slightly. The tomatoes add a fresh tangy sweetness that brightens the creamy sauce beautifully.
Step 5: Wilt the Spinach
Add the roughly chopped spinach into the skillet and cook it just until wilted, around two minutes. This step is key for balancing the richness of the cream and cheese with a touch of green freshness and a nice textural element.
Step 6: Add the Cream and Simmer
Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer. The cream softens the acidity of the tomatoes while enriching the sauce to a velvety consistency that coats every pasta piece beautifully.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Return your cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to make sure each piece is drenched in that luscious sauce loaded with chicken, spinach, and tomatoes. This step fully integrates all the great flavors.
Step 8: Finish with Parmesan
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet and stir until melted and creamy. The cheese adds a salty, nutty depth that rounds out the sauce perfectly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Step 9: Rest the Pasta
Remove the skillet from the heat and let your pasta sit for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld together even more. It’s the little pause that makes all the difference in flavor depth.
Step 10: Serve and Garnish
Dish your Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta Recipe into bowls and top with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if you have them on hand. These final touches add a burst of flavor and a gorgeous presentation that’s sure to impress.
How to Serve Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your dish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves not only boosts flavor but also adds a lovely visual appeal that makes the meal feel special. For a little extra zing, try a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
Side Dishes
This Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a simple lemon vinaigrette to provide contrast to the creamy pasta. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is excellent for soaking up any leftover sauce, turning every bite into a treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the pasta in individual ramekins topped with melted cheese or even baked briefly for a bubbly finish. You can also spoon it over grilled polenta rounds or stuffed into bell peppers for a colorful and clever presentation that’s perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal. Just be sure to consume within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind that the cream sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. To prevent this, freeze the pasta and sauce separately if possible. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in a skillet over low-medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to recombine the sauce. Adding a splash of cream or milk while reheating can help restore the sauce’s creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne or farfalle are great at holding the sauce, feel free to experiment with spaghetti, fusilli, or even gluten-free varieties. The key is that the pasta cooks to al dente to maintain texture against the creamy sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for weeknight meals?
Yes, it’s perfect for weeknights because it comes together in about 45 minutes using simple ingredients without compromising on flavor. It’s quick to prepare but feels like a home-cooked comfort meal.
Can I make this Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta Recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! You can substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or chickpeas for protein. The sauce remains wonderfully versatile and creamy, working well with various protein or veggie options.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
While Parmesan is traditional and brings a lovely nutty flavor, you can try Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or even a mild Asiago to keep the sauce creamy. Grate it fresh for the best melt and flavor.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, just reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta to keep the noodles perfectly textured and the sauce creamy.
Final Thoughts
Making this Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta Recipe is like inviting a little comfort and joy into your kitchen, with a dish that feels special yet is so easy to prepare. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or treating yourself to something delicious, this vibrant, creamy pasta offers a satisfying experience every time. Give it a try and fall in love with a new favorite!
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Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender chicken breast, fresh spinach, and juicy diced tomatoes in a rich Parmesan-infused sauce. Cooked pasta is tossed in the creamy tomato and spinach mixture, making for a comforting and easy meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 ounces (340g) pasta (penne, farfalle, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce and Vegetables
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnishing
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnishing (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice into the skillet and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Add cream: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet and toss gently to coat it evenly with the creamy tomato-spinach sauce.
- Add Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Rest: Remove the skillet from heat and let the pasta rest for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Spoon the pasta into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Fresh spinach can be replaced with baby kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta to retain a slightly firm texture for the best dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
