After a long day, I whipped up this Easy Weeknight Dinners Pasta featuring tender pan-fried chicken, zesty garlic, and fresh spinach. The diced tomatoes and heavy cream meld together into a rich sauce that clings beautifully to perfectly cooked pasta. I love how these simple ingredients create a satisfying dish.
I recently came across this Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta recipe that instantly became a fave in my kitchen. On hectic evenings when I need a meal that’s both quick and satisfying, I know I can count on it.
I start off pan-frying sliced chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper in olive oil until they get that nice, golden color. Then, I toss in some minced garlic just to wake up the flavors before adding a can of diced tomatoes and a splash of heavy cream.
The dish reaches a whole new level when I mix in fresh spinach and let it wilt into the sauce as the pasta simmers. It reminds me of those creative Lunch Ideas With Tomatoes I’ve seen online and the quick fixes for Pasta Monday.
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a Chicken Veggie Pasta Recipes that’s easy enough for a busy weeknight. Enjoy experimenting with it!
Why I Like this Recipe
I like this recipe for a few reasons. First, I love that the pan-fried chicken gets cooked so perfectly and stays tender even when it’s mixed into the sauce. Second, I really enjoy how fast and easy it is to put together on a busy week night; it’s a lifesaver when I don’t have a lot of time. Third, the creamy tomato spinach sauce is super comforting and has a great mix of flavors that makes every bite satisfying.
Honestly, if you’re like me and always on the go, this tomato spinach chicken pasta is the perfect answer to your dinner woes. Its simple and hearty ingredients come together quickly, with juicy chicken and a rich, creamy sauce that covers the pasta in every bite. It’s not fancy cooking, but it’s super tasty and always hits the spot after a long day.
Ingredients
- Chicken provides lean protein and brings a hearty, savory flavor to the dish.
- Diced tomatoes offer tangy, juicy notes with vitamins and fiber that boost health.
- Fresh spinach is loaded with vitamins and fiber to add color and a fresh taste.
- Heavy cream gives the pasta a smooth, rich texture and a slightly sweet taste.
- Olive oil contributes healthy fats and a mild fruity flavor that really enhances the flavor.
Ingredient Quantities
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb total), thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 8 oz pasta (like penne or spaghetti)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
How to Make this
1. Start by seasoning the chicken slices with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until its browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Then remove it from the pan.
3. In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the minced garlic. Cook it for about 30 seconds until it smells awesome.
4. Pour in the diced tomatoes and add the red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Let the mixture simmer for about 3 minutes so the flavors mix together.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and then add the fresh spinach. Allow the spinach to wilt down into the sauce; this should take another 2 minutes.
6. While the sauce is bubbling, cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain it once it’s done.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in the creamy tomato sauce for another 2 minutes so it gets warmed back up.
8. Toss the drained pasta into the skillet, mixing well so the sauce covers every bit of pasta.
9. Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the dish, give it a quick stir and serve it up warm. Enjoy your meal!
Equipment Needed
1. Large skillet
2. Large pot
3. Cutting board
4. Chef’s knife
5. Colander
6. Measuring spoons and cups
7. Wooden spoon for stirring
8. Cheese grater
These are the basic tools youll need to get this dish ready.
FAQ
Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- If you dont have chicken breasts, try using thinly sliced turkey or even tofu if you want a veggie option
- Instead of heavy cream, you can use half and half or coconut cream which gives a slight twist in taste
- You can replace the canned diced tomatoes with 2-3 fresh, chopped tomatoes if you prefer something a bit fresher
- If you run out of spinach, kale or arugula work pretty good too but watch cooking times since they get soft faster
- When you dont have Parmesan cheese on hand, grated Pecorino Romano makes a nice alternative
Pro Tips
1. Try letting the chicken rest for a couple minutes after you cook it so the juices settle in; that way your chicken wont come out dry.
2. Be really careful when adding garlic to the pan – it cooks fast and can burn if you leave it too long, giving your dish a bitter taste.
3. When you mix in the pasta with the creamy sauce, toss it well so every piece gets coated with flavor; letting it simmer together for a minute helps it soak up more taste.
4. Adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking. If you dont like too much spice, use less; but if you enjoy a little heat, add a bit more for an extra kick.
Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta Recipe
After a long day, I whipped up this Easy Weeknight Dinners Pasta featuring tender pan-fried chicken, zesty garlic, and fresh spinach. The diced tomatoes and heavy cream meld together into a rich sauce that clings beautifully to perfectly cooked pasta. I love how these simple ingredients create a satisfying dish.
4
servings
560
kcal
Equipment: 1. Large skillet
2. Large pot
3. Cutting board
4. Chef’s knife
5. Colander
6. Measuring spoons and cups
7. Wooden spoon for stirring
8. Cheese grater
These are the basic tools youll need to get this dish ready.
Ingredients
-
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb total), thinly sliced
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
3 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
-
1/2 cup heavy cream
-
3 cups fresh spinach
-
8 oz pasta (like penne or spaghetti)
-
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
- Start by seasoning the chicken slices with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until its browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Then remove it from the pan.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the minced garlic. Cook it for about 30 seconds until it smells awesome.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and add the red pepper flakes if you're using them. Let the mixture simmer for about 3 minutes so the flavors mix together.
- Stir in the heavy cream and then add the fresh spinach. Allow the spinach to wilt down into the sauce; this should take another 2 minutes.
- While the sauce is bubbling, cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain it once it’s done.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in the creamy tomato sauce for another 2 minutes so it gets warmed back up.
- Toss the drained pasta into the skillet, mixing well so the sauce covers every bit of pasta.
- Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the dish, give it a quick stir and serve it up warm. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
- Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 350g
- Total number of serves: 4
- Calories: 560kcal
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Polyunsaturated: 4g
- Monounsaturated: 12g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Potassium: 700mg
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 45g
- Vitamin A: 1500IU
- Vitamin C: 15mg
- Calcium: 150mg
- Iron: 2.5mg
