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Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta


  • Author: Livia Scott
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta is a creamy, colorful, and easy dinner idea made with tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, fresh spinach, Parmesan, and pasta tossed in a rich tomato cream sauce. This quick weeknight meal is perfect for family dinners, cozy pasta nights, simple food ideas, and anyone looking for an easy recipe that feels hearty without being complicated.


Ingredients

12 ounces penne pasta

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced into bite-size pieces

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

3/4 cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

4 cups fresh spinach

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped


Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter and garlic to the same skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.

6. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook until they soften and release their juices.

7. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

8. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.

9. Add the spinach and let it wilt into the sauce.

10. Return the chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta and toss until coated.

11. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

12. Finish with red pepper flakes if using, fresh basil or parsley, and extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

Do not boil the cream sauce over high heat after adding the Parmesan, because it can turn grainy or separate. Keep the heat gentle and stir until the sauce becomes smooth.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American Italian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 610
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 29g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg

Keywords: tomato spinach chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy dinner, weeknight pasta, chicken pasta dinner, tomato cream pasta