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.

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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.