Chicken, Tomato & Spinach Pasta

By: Julia Pacheco

This delightful pasta dish features succulent chicken breast, vibrant fresh spinach, and rich diced tomatoes, all lovingly tossed with al dente pasta in an aromatic sauce. It’s a beautifully balanced meal that’s both light and satisfying, offering a burst of fresh flavors in every bite. Designed for speed and simplicity, it’s the perfect solution for a nourishing dinner on even the busiest of nights.

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Why This Chicken, Tomato & Spinach Pasta Will Be Your Go-To Dish

This isn’t just another pasta recipe; it’s a culinary experience crafted for ease and exceptional flavor. Here are the compelling reasons why this dish deserves a permanent spot in your weekly rotation:

• Unbeatably Fast: From your pantry to plate in about 30 minutes, this recipe is a dream come true for those frantic weeknights when dinner needs to be quick but also delicious and homemade.
• Bursting with Flavor: The secret lies in the harmonious blend of savory chicken, the sweet tang of sun-dried tomatoes, the freshness of diced tomatoes, aromatic garlic, fragrant basil, and a subtle warmth from red pepper flakes. Each ingredient contributes to a rich, layered taste profile.
• Wholesome and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein from chicken, essential vitamins from fresh spinach, and antioxidants from tomatoes, this meal offers a balanced nutritional profile without compromising on flavor. It’s a healthy choice the whole family can enjoy.
• Minimal Cleanup: While the pasta boils in one pot, the entire sauce comes together beautifully in a single large saucepan or skillet, significantly cutting down on washing up after dinner. This means more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing dishes!
• Customizable to Your Liking: This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Whether you want to add more vegetables, adjust the spice level, or swap out proteins, it serves as a fantastic base for your culinary creativity. Explore our variations section below for exciting ideas.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Its comforting flavors and familiar ingredients make it a hit with both adults and children. It’s an easy way to get healthy vegetables into your family’s diet without any complaints.

Ingredients for Your Flavorful Pasta

Crafting a truly exceptional pasta dish begins with selecting fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component in this recipe plays a crucial role in building the layered flavors that make this meal so delicious. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Creating this delicious Chicken, Tomato & Spinach Pasta is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these detailed instructions to achieve perfect results every time:

1. Start with the Aromatics: Begin by heating a large saucepan or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with 2 tablespoons of sun-dried tomato oil. Sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step is crucial for infusing the base of your sauce with a deep, concentrated tomato flavor.

2. Cook the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken breasts to the saucepan. Season the chicken generously with ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Stir well to ensure the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is completely cooked through and lightly golden brown on all sides. Ensure there’s no pink remaining. Once cooked, you can temporarily remove the chicken to a plate, or push it to one side of the pan if your pan is large enough to accommodate the other ingredients.

3. Boil the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. It’s essential to salt the pasta water generously – it should taste like the sea. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package directions until they are al dente. This typically means the pasta is firm to the bite but not hard. Before draining, make sure to reserve about ½ to 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This “liquid gold” will be used later to achieve the perfect sauce consistency.

4. Build the Sauce: Return the saucepan (with the chicken, if it was removed) to medium heat. Add the entire 14 oz can of diced tomatoes (do not drain the liquid), the minced fresh garlic, the fresh basil, and the fresh spinach. Stir all the ingredients together gently to combine them with the chicken and sun-dried tomatoes.

5. Simmer and Wilt: Continue to cook the sauce mixture for only 3-5 minutes, or just until the fresh spinach has completely wilted down and the diced tomatoes have released their juices, forming a fragrant and rustic sauce. Be careful not to overcook the spinach, as it can become soggy. Remove the saucepan from the heat and cover it with a lid to keep the sauce warm and allow the flavors to meld further.

6. Combine Pasta with Sauce: Thoroughly drain the cooked pasta. Add the drained pasta directly into the saucepan with the chicken and tomato-spinach sauce. Return the saucepan to low heat. Give everything a really good stir, ensuring that every strand of pasta is beautifully coated in the flavorful sauce. Taste the dish. This is your opportunity to adjust the seasoning; add more salt, black pepper, or even a drizzle of extra olive oil if you think it needs it. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add a splash of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

7. Serve and Savor: Your Chicken, Tomato & Spinach Pasta is now ready! Serve it hot, garnished with extra fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an added touch of flavor. This dish is best enjoyed immediately for optimal taste and texture.

Expert Tips for Making This Pasta Even Better

While this recipe is straightforward, these professional tips will help you achieve the most delicious results and make your cooking experience even smoother:

• Salt Your Pasta Water Generously: This is a golden rule for all pasta dishes. The water should be salty like the ocean to properly season the pasta from the inside out. This makes a huge difference in the overall flavor of your dish.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente. Pasta that’s firm to the bite holds up better in the sauce and provides a more pleasant texture. Overcooked, mushy pasta can ruin the dish.
• Use Fresh Ingredients for Maximum Impact: While pantry staples are convenient, the fresh garlic and basil truly elevate this dish. The vibrant flavors of fresh herbs and aromatics cannot be replicated by dried versions.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan When Browning Chicken: If your saucepan isn’t very large, cook the chicken in two batches. Overcrowding cools the pan and causes the chicken to steam rather than brown, preventing it from developing that delicious caramelized crust.
• Always Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water is an essential ingredient! It helps to emulsify the sauce, making it silky, glossy, and ensuring it clings beautifully to the pasta. It’s also perfect for thinning out the sauce to your desired consistency.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning Throughout: Palates vary, and so do the salt levels in canned goods. Taste your sauce before adding the pasta, and again at the very end. Adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed to suit your preference.
• Consider the Quality of Olive Oil: Using a good quality extra virgin olive oil for both sautéing and a final drizzle can significantly enhance the flavor profile of the dish.

Delicious Variations & Creative Substitutions

One of the best things about this Chicken, Tomato & Spinach Pasta is its incredible versatility. Feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking, using what you have on hand or what your taste buds crave:

• Protein Power-Ups:
  • Shrimp: For a seafood twist, add raw shrimp during the last 3-4 minutes of the sauce cooking time. They cook quickly and perfectly complement the tomato base.
  • Italian Sausage: Brown crumbled mild or spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken for a richer, more robust flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Delight: Omit the chicken entirely and boost the protein with canned chickpeas or cannellini beans (rinsed and drained), or add extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for a hearty meat-free meal.
• Amp Up the Veggies:
  • Mushrooms: Sauté sliced cremini or button mushrooms with the chicken for an earthy, umami addition.
  • Bell Peppers: Add thinly sliced red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for sweetness and a pop of color.
  • Artichoke Hearts: Chopped canned or jarred artichoke hearts (drained) make a fantastic, tangy addition to the sauce.
  • Kale: If you prefer kale, chop it finely and add it along with the spinach. It will take slightly longer to wilt.
• Creamy Indulgence: For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream, a dollop of cream cheese, or a tablespoon of mascarpone cheese during the final steps of sauce preparation.
• Cheese, Please! Beyond a final sprinkle of Parmesan, consider stirring in some crumbled feta cheese for a salty, tangy bite, or fresh mozzarella pearls (bocconcini) which will melt slightly into the warm pasta.
• Spice It Up: If you’re a fan of heat, don’t hesitate to increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Brighten with Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest at the very end can brighten all the flavors and add a refreshing zing to the dish.

Perfect Serving Suggestions

This Chicken, Tomato & Spinach Pasta is a fulfilling and balanced meal all on its own, but you can elevate your dining experience even further with these complementary serving ideas:

• Crusty Bread: A warm loaf of crusty Italian bread, a baguette, or even homemade garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious sauce.
• Simple Side Salad: A light, crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to the rich pasta, adding freshness and crunch to your meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: For an extra boost of nutrients and varied texture, serve alongside simply roasted asparagus, broccoli florets, or tender Brussels sprouts.
• Wine Pairing: Complement the flavors of the dish with a suitable wine. A light-bodied red, such as a Pinot Noir or a light Sangiovese, would work wonderfully. If you prefer white, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Rosé would also be excellent choices.
• Garnish for Flair: Always finish your dish with a garnish! A generous sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a few extra fresh basil leaves, or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil will enhance both the presentation and the overall flavor.

Nutritional Information

Below is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving for this Chicken, Tomato & Spinach Pasta. Please keep in mind that these values are automatically calculated based on the ingredients listed and should be used as an approximation. Actual nutritional content may vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients used and any modifications made to the recipe.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

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