The garlic hits the pan firstthen comes that sizzle when juicy chicken hits oil. Right away, you know dinner’s headed in a delicious direction. This Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta is a weeknight dream: warm, filling, and packed with flavor. It’s one of our most-loved meals right nowand for good reason.
You get a creamy tomato sauce (but no heavy cream), tender chicken, and wilted spinach tangled up with pasta. It’s cozy and bold, but light enough to not undo your day. This dish comes together fast with pantry staplesno fancy steps, just comfort in a bowl. Kinda like classic tomato spinach pasta, only kicked up with protein and serious flavor.
I first made this back in 2016 when I was training clients and needed quick, hearty meals between sessions. A client walked in while it was cooling and said the kitchen smelled like her Nonna’s house. That’s when I knew this one had something special. Browning the chicken before building the sauce is keyit deepens everything. I’ve shared it on the blog ever since, and it’s one of my personal go-tos for no-fuss comfort.
Joe Rooney
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 Recipe
Fast and cozy: This tomato spinach chicken pasta comes together in just 30 minutes, offering a comforting, homemade meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Balanced flavors: A rich, creamy tomato sauce is enhanced by fresh baby spinach and perfectly seared chicken, creating a dish that feels indulgent yet light.
Simple ingredients: You’ll use basic pantry staples and readily available fresh items, making grocery shopping a breeze.
Beginner-friendly: This is a straightforward meal that even novice cooks can master with confidence, yielding delicious results every time.
Key Ingredients & Tools
These are the essential components and equipment you’ll need to create a delicious tomato spinach chicken pasta:
Pasta: Any shape you prefer works wellpenne, spaghetti, or rotini all capture the sauce beautifully. Remember to cook it al dente for the best texture.
Chicken breasts: Sliced thin for quick cooking, they provide lean protein and develop a rich flavor when seared to golden perfection.
Tomato sauce & paste: These pantry staples form the luscious, tangy foundation of the sauce. The paste, in particular, adds concentrated depth and richness.
Baby spinach: Fresh, tender, and nutrient-packed, it wilts effortlessly into the creamy sauce, adding a vibrant green hue and earthy flavor.
Heavy cream: This ingredient is crucial for transforming the sauce into its luxuriously smooth and rich consistency. For optimal results, avoid substitutions here.
Tools you’ll need: A large skillet for searing and saucing, a pot for boiling pasta, and a sharp knife for preparing the chicken. That’s all!
Ingredient Substitutions
Ingredient
Possible Swap
Heavy cream
None recommended (to avoid curdling and maintain texture)
Gluten-free pasta or whole wheat pasta (adjust cooking times as per package instructions)
How It Works: Step-by-Step
This recipe focuses on building layers of flavor to create a truly creamy and satisfying pasta dish. Follow these steps to bring it all together:
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water.
Prepare and sear the chicken: While the pasta cooks, slice the chicken breasts into even, thinner pieces (about ½-inch thick). Season them generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon each of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the creamy tomato sauce: In the same skillet (add a little more olive oil if needed), reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, pressing it against the bottom of the pan. Pour in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and let it thicken slightly for 3-5 minutes.
Combine flavors: Add the fresh baby spinach to the simmering sauce, stirring until it wilts completely (about 1-2 minutes). Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat and warm through. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Finish and 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. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil, if desired.
Sauce too thick? Gradually add a few spoonfuls of the reserved pasta water to achieve a silkier consistency.
Chicken dry? To prevent overcooking, sear chicken quickly over medium-high heat until just golden and cooked through. Thinly sliced pieces typically need only 3-5 minutes per side.
Spinach watery? Ensure your spinach is well-drained and patted dry before adding it to the sauce, or allow it to cook down for an extra minute to evaporate excess moisture.
Pro Tip: For the most vibrant flavor and best texture, always opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties, which can sometimes be waxy.
Quick Timing Reference
Step
Approx. Time
Boil pasta
10 minutes
Cook chicken
10 minutes
Make sauce
5 minutes
Combine & finish
5 minutes
Serving & Leftover Tips
Serving: This versatile dish is ideal for a comforting family dinner or a special date night. Pair it with a crisp green salad and some crusty garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of water or a little extra cream to help revive the sauce and prevent dryness.
Freezing: Freezing is generally not recommended for this dish, as the cream-based sauce can separate and become grainy upon thawing and reheating.
Pro Tip: If you anticipate having leftovers, consider storing the cooked pasta and sauce separately. Tossing them together just before serving helps maintain the pasta’s optimal texture.
Expert Insight: Harmonizing Flavors in Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta
Crafting a memorable Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta involves more than just mixing ingredients; it’s about intentional flavor layering. The robust acidity of quality tomatoes provides a bright counterpoint to the richness of the cream, while fresh spinach introduces a subtle earthiness and vibrant color. The key to truly elevating this dish lies in precise seasoning throughout each cooking stagefrom the initial searing of the chicken to the final simmer of the sauceensuring every component contributes to a cohesive, balanced, and deeply satisfying bite.
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Finding Balance with Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta
Achieving the perfect Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta has been a journey of culinary experimentation. Early attempts sometimes yielded sauces that were too thin or flavors that lacked depth. Through careful adjustmentslike precisely timing the tomato paste’s sauté to deepen its flavor, or learning the exact moment to add spinach for optimal wiltingI’ve refined this recipe. The version I’m sharing today is the culmination of those efforts, offering a beautifully balanced, comforting, and family-friendly meal that truly celebrates patience and practice in the kitchen.
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 Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta is a true weeknight hero, coming together in about 30 minutes to deliver a warm, creamy dish that offers genuine comfort. You’ll appreciate how the tender chicken and fresh spinach perfectly complement the rich, tangy tomato sauce, creating a meal that feels both wholesome and deeply satisfying.
For a delightful variation, consider swapping chicken breasts for succulent thighs or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Remember the pro tip: storing pasta and sauce separately prolongs the life of leftovers and ensures the best texture when reheated with a splash of cream or reserved pasta water. This easy tomato spinach pasta is destined to become a cherished staple in your kitchen.
Give this recipe a try, then share your creations or any personal tweaks you’ve discovered. There’s a unique joy in homemade meals, and passing along culinary insights helps bring people closer around the table.
