The sizzle of garlic in olive oil always takes me back. It’s that warm, comforting smell right before something good hits the pan. This Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta brings all that cozy kitchen magicwith vibrant tomatoes, tender bites of chicken, and just-wilted spinach twirled into pasta like an old family favorite. Lately, this dish has been popping up everywhereand it’s no wonder why.
Simple to throw together, but it tastes like you hovered over the stove for hours. It leans on seasoned chicken breasts, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach that melts perfectly into the sauce. Like your grandma’s Sunday bake… but ready in 30 minutes and no oven required. Uses pantry staples, with a boost of greens for good measure. Add parmesan on top, and it’s an instant dinner win.
Started making this the summer my oldest left for college2019, right after her boxes left the porch. She texted halfway through the meal: “Is it weird I miss dinner already?” That week, I learned sautéing the spinach separately keeps it bright and tender, not watery. After 10+ years blogging cozy recipes that balance comfort and health, this one’s become a regular on our tablemore laughs, fewer leftovers.
Olivia Farnsworth
Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta Recipe Easy and Delicious
This Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta recipe is a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender pan-fried chicken breast is cooked in a creamy tomato spinach sauce that’s rich and flavorful. Enjoy the comforting combination of Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta and Tomato Spinach Pasta in this delicious dish that the whole family will love.
Freshly grated parmesan cheese for serving, to taste
Method
Boil a large, salted pot of water for your pasta and cook it al dente according to package instructions.
Meanwhile, cut the chicken in half lengthwise so you’ve got 4 thinner pieces. Season both sides of each piece with the garlic powder and salt & pepper.
Add the butter and olive oil to a skillet over medium-high heat. Let the pan heat up for a few minutes, then cook the chicken for about 5 minutes per side or until cooked through; transfer to a plate.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds.
Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning until smooth. Reduce heat to medium and let the sauce gently bubble for 3-5 minutes to thicken.
Cut the cooked chicken into strips.
Season the sauce with salt & pepper, then add the chicken strips and spinach; let warm through for 1-2 minutes.
If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of reserved hot pasta water.
Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Pour the sauce with chicken and spinach over the pasta and toss to coat.
Serve immediately with freshly grated parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
Avoid substituting the heavy cream with half-and-half or other dairy to prevent the tomato sauce from curdling.
Why You’ll Love This Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta
Ready in just 30 minutes and bursting with flavor, this Creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta is a weeknight dream come true. It’s the perfect blend of comforting indulgence and practical simplicity. Here’s why it’s about to become your new favorite:
Quick & easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Cozy & nostalgic: With its velvety tomato sauce and fragrant sautéed garlic, this dish truly feels like a warm, comforting hug – just like Grandma used to make, but quicker!
Healthier twist: Fresh spinach lends a pop of color and nutrients, while using pantry staples keeps it affordable and convenient.
Beginner-friendly: Simple steps, nothing fancybut it tastes like restaurant-quality.
Key Ingredients and Pantry Help
Here’s what makes this Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta shine. No need for exotic ingredientseverything’s straight from your local grocery store:
Pasta: Opt for a sturdy pasta like penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti – they’ll perfectly cradle that rich, creamy sauce in every bite. Feel free to use your favorite!
Chicken breasts: Thinly sliced chicken breasts ensure quick, even cooking. Season them well with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for truly flavor-packed, tender bites.
Baby spinach: Fresh, vibrant baby spinach wilts beautifully into the sauce, adding a wonderful pop of color, essential nutrients, and a touch of lightness to balance the rich flavors.
Tomato paste & tomato sauce: These essential pantry staples build the robust, tangy, and deeply flavorful base of our sauce. Don’t skimp on their richness!
Heavy cream & Parmesan: Heavy cream delivers that irresistible velvety richness, while a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty, and utterly delicious finish.
Step-by-Step: How to Make the Best Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta
This recipe is all about layering simple steps for maximum flavor. Let’s break it down:
Boil pasta: In a large pot, bring generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of that starchy pasta water – it’s crucial for achieving a smooth, well-emulsified sauce later!
Prep chicken: Carefully slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Pat them dry, then season generously on both sides with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Sear chicken: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken cutlets and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board while you make the sauce – this keeps it juicy!
Make the sauce: Using the same skillet (don’t clean it, those browned bits add flavor!), reduce heat to medium. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 15 oz (approx. 425g) of tomato sauce, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. If it seems too thick, add a splash of your reserved pasta water.
Add spinach & chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with 4-5 cups of fresh baby spinach. Gently toss until the spinach wilts down and the chicken is warmed through. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Toss & serve: Add the drained al dente pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with generous amounts of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Pro Tips & Simple Tweaks
Make this recipe your own with these handy tips:
Need a lighter option? For a lighter take, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half, evaporated milk, or even Greek yogurt (stirred in at the very end to prevent curdling). Just be aware that the sauce’s luxurious creaminess might be slightly reduced.
No fresh spinach? Frozen spinach (about 10 oz, thawed and thoroughly squeezed dry) is a perfectly good substitute in a pinch. Make sure to remove all excess water to prevent a watery sauce.
Troubleshooting thick sauce: If your sauce becomes too thick, don’t worry! Gradually add a splash or two of that reserved starchy pasta water while tossing everything together. It will help loosen the sauce and make it beautifully cling to the pasta.
Quick Timing Chart for Reference
Step
Time
Cook pasta
10 minutes
Chicken prep & sear
10 minutes
Make sauce
5 minutes
Combine & serve
5 minutes
Storage Tips to Keep It Fresh
If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), follow these tips to save them:
Refrigeration: Store any delicious leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating on the stove or in the microwave, a splash of water, broth, or extra cream will help bring the sauce back to life and prevent it from drying out.
Freezing: While this dish is truly best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze individual portions. Allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently, adding liquid as needed.
With this Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta, every bite feels like a warm kitchen memoryand it’s as practical as it is delicious.
A Chef’s Secret: Maximizing Flavor in Your Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta
The magic in this Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta lies in balancing the bright acidity of the tomatoes with the earthy freshness of the spinach. A crucial step is searing the chicken until perfectly golden and juicy, then letting it rest to lock in moisture before slicing. This thoughtful layering of flavors and textures transforms simple ingredients into a truly wholesome and satisfying meal that tastes anything but ordinary.
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Finding Comfort in Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta
This tomato spinach chicken pasta recipe took me quite a few kitchen experiments before it truly felt like home. There was a time when the spinach wilted too much and the sauce was too tangy, but through those little lessons, I found the perfect balance of cozy and nourishing for my family’s weeknight dinners.
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.
Conclusion
This Creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta is truly a weeknight hero, coming together in just about 30 minutes. It offers tender, perfectly seasoned chicken and vibrant spinach nestled in a luscious, homemade tomato cream sauce. You’ll adore how effortlessly it transforms simple, wholesome ingredients into a comforting meal that truly feels like a warm kitchen hug – easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and always a hit with the family.
Don’t be afraid to make it your own! Experiment by swapping heavy cream for a touch of Greek yogurt for a lighter option, or introduce a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle, warming kick. Its versatility extends to leftovers, which reheat wonderfully with a splash of extra pasta water or broth, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches. It’s a timeless classic reinvented with modern flair – much like the cherished family recipes and stories we love to share.
Why not give this delightful recipe a try tonight? I’d absolutely love to hear how it turned out for you or any personal twists you added in the comments below. Did this dish evoke a comforting memory from your own childhood? Share the warmth and pass this recipe on to someone you love – I promise, you’ll find yourself wanting to make it again and again!
With a passion for wholesome cooking inspired by family traditions, I create healthy, simple recipes focused on sourdough, shrimp, chicken, and balanced meals for everyday wellness.
Every recipe here is tested in my kitchen using U.S. measurements and easy-to-find ingredients, so you can cook confidently.
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