Make this delicious chicken spinach tomato pasta recipe in under 30 minutes! Juicy chicken, fresh spinach, and ripe tomatoes come together for a creamy pasta.
Chicken Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe
If you’ve been craving a comforting yet wholesome pasta dish, this chicken spinach tomato pasta recipe is about to become your new favorite.
It’s everything you love about Italian-inspired cooking — tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and sweet, tangy tomatoes — all tossed together with perfectly cooked pasta and a silky sauce.
The best part? You can have it on the table in less than 30 minutes! Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or just want a quick weeknight dinner, this chicken spinach tomato pasta recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the chicken spinach tomato pasta recipe, gather these simple, everyday ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating this rich and flavorful dish.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 2 medium (cut into cubes) | Protein base |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | For sautéing |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 3 | Adds aroma & depth |
| Cherry or Roma tomatoes (diced) | 2 cups | Sweetness & color |
| Fresh baby spinach | 3 cups | Adds nutrients & freshness |
| Pasta (penne or fettuccine) | 12 oz | Base of the dish |
| Heavy cream or half-and-half | ½ cup | Creamy texture |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ½ cup | Adds richness |
| Red pepper flakes | ¼ tsp | Optional heat |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | Seasoning |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp | Herbal flavor |
Pro Tip: You can use whole-wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta for a healthier variation. Chicken thighs also work beautifully if you prefer darker meat.
How to Make Chicken Spinach Tomato Pasta
This chicken spinach tomato pasta recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. Follow these easy steps to create your new go-to pasta dish.
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then set aside.
2. Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Cook for 6–7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Tomato Sauce
In the same pan, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add diced tomatoes, a pinch of salt, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 5–6 minutes until the tomatoes soften and form a rustic sauce.
4. Add Spinach and Cream
Add fresh spinach to the tomato mixture and stir until wilted. Then pour in the heavy cream and half of the Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the pan. Toss gently so the sauce coats everything evenly. If the sauce seems thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Taste and adjust seasoning.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, savory perfection of this chicken spinach tomato pasta recipe!
Tips and Variations
Want to customize your chicken spinach tomato pasta recipe? Try these easy variations and chef-approved tips:
- Make it creamy or light: Use heavy cream for a rich sauce, or swap with Greek yogurt or milk for a lighter version.
- Add more veggies: Mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers work great with this dish.
- Go cheesy: Stir in mozzarella or ricotta for extra creaminess.
- One-pot version: Cook the pasta directly in the sauce for less cleanup and more flavor.
- Spice it up: Add chili flakes or hot sauce if you like it spicy.
- Protein swap: Use shrimp, turkey, or tofu instead of chicken for a twist.
These variations make the chicken spinach tomato pasta recipe flexible for any mood or dietary preference.
Serving Suggestions & Storage
This chicken spinach tomato pasta recipe pairs beautifully with:
- A simple green salad with balsamic dressing
- Garlic bread or cheesy toast
- A side of roasted vegetables or grilled asparagus
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or milk to revive the creamy sauce.
- Freeze: This pasta freezes well for up to 2 months — thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?
Yes! A 14-oz can of diced or crushed tomatoes works perfectly. It adds a deeper flavor and makes this chicken spinach tomato pasta recipe even easier.
2. What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Penne, rotini, or fettuccine hold the sauce beautifully. You can use any pasta shape you prefer.
3. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Replace the cream with coconut milk and the Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a delicious dairy-free version.
4. Can I meal-prep this dish?
Absolutely! This chicken spinach tomato pasta recipe is perfect for meal prep. Keep the pasta and sauce separate for the best texture.
5. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes—simply omit the chicken and add chickpeas or tofu for protein while keeping all the same flavors.
Conclusion
This chicken spinach tomato pasta recipe proves that homemade meals can be quick, healthy, and delicious all at once.
With juicy chicken, fresh spinach, and flavorful tomatoes, it’s a comforting meal that never disappoints.Whether you need a weeknight dinner, a meal-prep idea, or a dish to impress guests, this pasta is the answer.
Grab your skillet, get your ingredients ready, and bring this flavorful, creamy pasta to your table tonight — it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Hi, I’m Sidra Asif, the heart behind Chicken Bites. Cooking has been my lifelong passion, sparked by the magical meals I watched my mother create in our family kitchen. Over the years, I’ve explored diverse cuisines, earned a diploma in Culinary Arts, and refined my skills in professional kitchens—learning the art of flavor pairing, presentation, and creativity.
Through Chicken Bites, I share my favorite recipes, cooking tips, and culinary adventures to inspire home cooks to turn everyday ingredients into extraordinary meals. Join me on this flavorful journey where tradition meets innovation, and every dish is made with love! 🍗✨
