Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of heavy cream and Italian seasoning creates a rich and comforting sauce that’s perfectly balanced with fresh spinach and tomatoes.
Quick and Easy: With only 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cook time, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready in no time.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the flavors to your liking with different herbs or add-ins.
Nutritious: With spinach, chicken, and tomatoes, this dish is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 oz (about 225g) pasta (penne or fusilli works well)
1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Directions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.
Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Incorporate Spinach and Tomatoes: Add the chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften.
Create the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and add Italian seasoning, if using. Stir well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. Toss gently to combine the cheese into the pasta.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Add More Veggies: You can add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Use Different Pasta: Swap in your favorite pasta shape, such as farfalle, rigatoni, or spaghetti, for a twist.
Make it Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative for a non-dairy version of this dish.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach instead of fresh. Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the skillet.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and will add a bit more flavor and juiciness to the dish.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce may be slightly thinner. For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or a plant-based cream.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and combine when ready to serve.

Can I freeze this dish?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the chicken and sauce mixture for up to 1 month. Reheat thoroughly and cook the pasta fresh when serving.

Conclusion

Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta is a creamy, savory, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and can be customized to your liking. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, this pasta is sure to impress!