Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta Recipe

Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta is a hearty, wholesome dish combining juicy, tender chicken pieces with fresh tomatoes, spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce. This delicious pasta recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, as it’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to add some extra veggies to your meal without sacrificing taste. Let’s dive into the details of making this fantastic pasta dish.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Chop Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Prepare Vegetables: Halve the cherry tomatoes and mince the garlic. Rinse and dry the baby spinach leaves.
3. Grate Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds better flavor and texture.

Cooking the Chicken

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Cooking the Pasta

Step 3: Boil the Pasta

1. Boil Water: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt.
2. Cook Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
3. Drain: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and set aside.

Preparing the Sauce

Step 4: Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes

1. Heat Oil: Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet where the chicken was cooked.
2. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add Cherry Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.

Step 5: Add Spinach and Cream

1. Add Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir until the spinach wilts, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
2. Pour in Cream: Slowly add the heavy cream, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Combining the Pasta and Sauce

Step 6: Add Chicken, Pasta, and Cheese

1. Add Chicken: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet.
2. Add Pasta: Gently fold the cooked pasta into the sauce, making sure everything is coated with the creamy mixture.
3. Add Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until melted and well combined.
4. Season: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

Serving Suggestions

1. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of color and flavor.
2. Serve Hot: This dish is best enjoyed immediately while it’s warm and creamy.
3. Side Options: Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.

Recipe Variations

1. Add Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add a savory depth to the sauce.
2. Use Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Swap cherry tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist.
3. Substitute Spinach: Kale or arugula are great alternatives if you don’t have spinach.
4. Make it Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or extra crushed red pepper flakes for added heat.

Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook it al dente so it holds up well in the creamy sauce.
2. Season Chicken Well: This adds depth to the overall flavor.
3. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, spinach, and tomatoes enhance the flavor of the dish.

Conclusion

Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta is a deliciously creamy, nutrient-packed dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. With tender chicken, fresh spinach, juicy tomatoes, and a luscious cream sauce, this pasta dish is sure to be a hit at any dinner table. It’s quick, customizable, and perfect for a balanced meal. Serve it with a fresh salad or crusty bread, and enjoy the satisfying taste of this comforting pasta dish!

Yield: 4

Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta Recipe

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Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta is a hearty, wholesome dish combining juicy, tender chicken pieces with fresh tomatoes, spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce. This delicious pasta recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, as it’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to add some extra veggies to your meal without sacrificing taste. Let’s dive into the details of making this fantastic pasta dish.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Pasta:
• 8 oz penne or bowtie pasta
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
   
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Season the chicken cubes with salt and pepper.
   In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
   
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened and slightly blistered.
   
4. Combine the Ingredients:
   Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
   Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
   
5. Toss with Pasta:
   Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
   
6. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Make it Lighter: Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a splash of milk for a lighter version.

Variations: For added flavor, try adding sun-dried tomatoes or a splash of white wine to the sauce.