Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta Recipe Easy and Delicious

Name: Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta Recipe Easy and Delicious
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces uncooked pasta; 2 chicken breasts; 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder; Salt & pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2-3 cloves garlic minced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce; 3/4 cup heavy or whipping cream; 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach; Freshly grated parmesan cheese for serving to taste

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Steam. Garlic. A little sizzle from the skillet. That smell took me right back to Sunday dinners with Mom, when something warm and hearty bubbled away on the stove. This Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta takes those cozy vibes and makes them weeknight-easy. Trending for good reasonpeople crave simple, real comfort.

This meal brings together golden pan-seared chicken, juicy tomatoes, and sautéed spinach, all tossed with pasta in a light garlic sauce. It’s one of those dishes that feels special but uses what you’ve already got in your pantry. Like your grandma’s version, but done in under 40 minutes. Full details in the blog!

I first made this on a busy Tuesday, half-expecting the kids to complainspoiler: they didn’t. It hit that magic combo of warm, fresh, and not fussy. I’ve tested every shortcut so you don’t have to. You’ll love the secret to getting the sauce just right.

Why You’ll Love This Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta

This recipe is everything you need for a busy weeknight: quick, comforting, and remarkably easy to prepare. Tender chicken, a luscious tomato sauce, and a burst of fresh spinach all come together in just 30 minutes. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel accomplished in the kitcheneven when you’re pressed for time.

Bonus: Most ingredients are pantry staples, so you won’t need a last-minute grocery run. Plus, the flavors are easily customizableconsider this your go-to base recipe for countless pasta night variations. Even picky eaters will be eager for seconds!

Ingredients Breakdown

What goes into making this delicious dish? A handful of simple, flavorful ingredients you likely already have on hand. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

A vibrant serving of creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and seasoned to perfection for a golden, juicy finish.
Pasta: Your choice of shapepenne, fettuccine, or spaghettibut ensure it’s cooked al dente for the best texture.
Tomato sauce & paste: The dynamic duo that brings a rich, tangy depth to your sauce.
Heavy cream: Essential for that luscious, creamy finish (avoid substitutions here for optimal results).
Baby spinach: Adds freshness and a vibrant touch of color to brighten up the dish.
Parmesan cheese: The final sprinkle for that nutty, salty kick we all know and love.

All these ingredients meld together to create a dish that’s both hearty and fresh. A sprinkle of Italian seasoning helps tie all the flavors together beautifully!

Simple Steps to Make It

This tomato spinach chicken pasta comes together effortlessly. Let’s break it down step-by-step so you can prepare it with confidence every time:

Cook the pasta: Start with a large pot of salted boiling water and cook your pasta until al dente. Reserve about a cup of the starchy pasta water before drainingit’s a secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency!
Prepare the chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise, season generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sear them in a hot skillet with butter and olive oil until golden and juicy, about 5 minutes per side, then set aside.
Make the sauce: Add minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing briefly. Then stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth and let it simmer gently until slightly thickened.
Combine it all: Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet with the sauce. Add the fresh spinach last, allowing it to wilt gently. Finally, mix in your cooked pasta and stir to coat everything in that luxurious sauce. Serve immediately topped with Parmesan, and enjoy!

Step	Time	Key Tip
Cook pasta	10 minutes	Save pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
Cook chicken	10 minutes	Sear on medium-high for a golden crust.
Make sauce	5 minutes	Reduce heat to avoid over-thickening.
Combine and serve	5 minutes	Toss pasta and sauce thoroughly before serving.

Pro Tips & Variations

Even a straightforward recipe like this benefits from a few tricks to elevate it from good to truly great:

Pro Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of the pre-shredded variety for maximum melt and superior flavor.
Want extra veggies? Try tossing in sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or even roasted red peppers for added texture and nutrients.
No heavy cream? Unfortunately, heavy cream is indispensable for achieving that velvety smooth finish. Substitutes like yogurt will introduce an unwelcome tang.

Feeling creative? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick or swap chicken for shrimp to transform it into a delightful seafood pasta. The customization options are plentiful!

Serving, Storage & Reheating

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers are still incredibly tasty! Here’s how to handle them:

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to re-emulsify and loosen the sauce.
Freezing: While the cooked pasta itself doesn’t freeze ideally, you can prepare the sauce ahead and freeze it separately for up to 3 months.

Pair this pasta with warm garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. And don’t forget that extra sprinkle of Parm at the tableit’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Expert Insight: Balancing Flavors in Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta

Combining the acidity of tomatoes with the earthiness of spinach and the protein of chicken creates a beautifully balanced dish. The key to a successful tomato spinach chicken pasta lies in layering flavorssautéing garlic first enhances depth while cooking the spinach briefly preserves its vibrant color and nutrients.

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How I Finally Nailed My Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta

This tomato spinach chicken pasta recipe took me several rounds to get rightlike the time I nearly overcooked the chicken and ended up with dry bites that my kids mercifully tolerated. Through trials and errors, I’ve developed a version that’s saucy, tender, and perfectly balanced, a true family favorite born from patience and a few kitchen mishaps.

FAQs ( Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta )

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh spinach works great in this recipe. Use about 4 cups of fresh leaves since they reduce significantly when cooked. Add it near the end of cooking to keep the texture vibrant and avoid overcooking.

What pasta is best for this meal?

Short pastas like penne, rotini, or rigatoni hold the sauce and ingredients well in this dish. They capture the tomato spinach pasta sauce nicely, making each bite flavorful. Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness when combined with the sauce.

How can I make the chicken tender?

Marinate the chicken briefly with olive oil, lemon juice, and seasoning to add moisture and flavor. Cook it over medium heat until just done to avoid dryness. Rest the meat a few minutes before mixing it into the pasta to retain juiciness.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare components like the sauce and chicken a day before. Store separately in airtight containers. Reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta to maintain texture and flavor integrity.

What substitutions work well for dairy in this recipe?

If you want to avoid dairy, use plant-based cream or coconut milk instead of heavy cream for richness. Nutritional yeast adds a subtle cheesy note. These swaps keep the dish creamy and flavorful without altering its core taste.

Overhead shot of Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta in a serving bowl, ready for pinning.

Conclusion

Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta is the quick, comforting dinner you’ll want to make again and again. In just about 30 minutes, you get tender chicken bathed in a creamy, garlicky tomato sauce with fresh spinach adding a bright finish. The inviting aroma alone fills the kitchen with warmthtrust me, you’ll love how it turns out every single time, even on the busiest nights.

Here’s a little tip: swap chicken for shrimp or toss in mushrooms to mix things up. Leftovers reheat beautifully with a splash of pasta water to keep the sauce silkya trick I learned watching my aunt work her magic. Serve alongside garlic bread or a crisp salad, and you’ve got a meal that’s both simple and special, every time.

Did this recipe bring back any cherished family food memories? I’d love to hear your stories or see your versionssnap a pic and share! Keep this delightful Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta recipe handy for those nights you crave homemade without the fuss. Here’s to delicious, heartfelt meals that truly feel like home.