There’s something magical about the sizzle of chicken hitting a hot pan, followed by the sweet aroma of garlic and tomatoes bubbling away. This tomato spinach chicken pasta has become my go-to weeknight dinner because it feels fancy but comes together in one skillet. Perfect for those nights when you want comfort food without the fuss.
Think creamy tomato sauce meets tender chicken and fresh spinach, all tossed with your favorite pasta. The beauty is in the simplicityeverything cooks in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze. You get restaurant-quality flavors using pantry staples and whatever pasta shape you have on hand.
Started making this back in 2014 when my oldest was going through her “I only eat red sauce” phase. The first time I stirred in that bright green spinach, she wrinkled her nose until she took a bite. My trick? Add the spinach at the very end so it wilts perfectly without getting mushy. She’s been asking for it ever since.
PrintTomato Spinach Chicken Pasta Recipe Easy and Delicious
This tomato spinach chicken pasta recipe is delicious with tender pan-fried chicken nestled in a creamy tomato spinach sauce. It’s quick and easy for busy weeknights and perfect for Tomato Spinach Pasta lovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Servings 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2–3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup heavy or whipping cream
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese for serving to taste
Instructions
- Boil a large salted pot of water and cook pasta al dente.
- Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise and season with garlic powder salt and pepper.
- Heat butter and olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken about 5 minutes per side until cooked through then transfer to plate.
- Add garlic to skillet and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in tomato paste tomato sauce cream and Italian seasoning then reduce heat to medium and simmer 3 to 5 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Cut chicken into strips and add to sauce with spinach warming through.
- Season sauce with salt and pepper then drain pasta and toss with sauce.
- Serve immediately topped with parmesan cheese.
Notes
- I don’t recommend subbing the cream for something else like half-and-half because the tomatoes are likely to curdle the sauce
Nutrition
- Calories: 589kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 772mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 141mg
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta
Imagine a dish that wraps you in comfort after a long day. This recipe delivers just that, reminiscent of Julia’s hearty Sunday suppers, but with a fresh spinach twist that makes it feel lighter and more vibrant. You get all the comfort of classic pasta with tender, succulent chicken.
What I adore most is how forgiving it is. If your pasta gets a little overdone or your sauce thickens too much, a splash of that starchy pasta water saves the day every time. It’s the kind of recipe that grows with youelegant enough for guests but simple enough for Tuesday night chaos.
Key Ingredients That Make the Magic
The beauty of this tomato spinach chicken pasta lies in how everyday pantry staples transform into something special. The tomato paste might seem small, but it’s your secret weapon for deep, concentrated flavor that makes the sauce sing.
- Heavy cream: Don’t swap this outit keeps the tomatoes from curdling and creates that silky texture.
- Fresh baby spinach: Wilts perfectly and adds gorgeous color without any bitterness.
- Chicken breasts: Slicing them thin ensures quick, even cooking and tender bites.
- Garlic and Italian seasoning: The aromatic foundation that makes your kitchen smell like heaven.
How This Tomato Spinach Pasta Comes Together
The timing on this recipe is like a gentle danceeverything happens in stages so nothing gets rushed or overcooked. I start my pasta water first because that’s always the slowest part, then move to the chicken while the water heats.
The magic moment comes when you add that tomato paste to the garlic. It sizzles and darkens just a bit, concentrating all those sweet tomato flavors before the sauce goes in. The rich cream then swirls in, creating a silky, indulgent sauce that promises a wonderful meal.
| Step | Time | What’s Happening |
|---|---|---|
| Pasta water + cooking | 10-12 mins | Get this started first |
| Chicken prep + cook | 8-10 mins | Season, cook, rest |
| Sauce building | 5-7 mins | Garlic, paste, cream, simmer |
| Final assembly | 2-3 mins | Spinach, chicken, pasta toss |
Simple Swaps and Kitchen Tweaks
This recipe adapts beautifully to whatever you have on hand. I’ve made it with rotisserie chicken when time was tightjust shred it and add it with the spinach to warm through. Different pasta shapes work wonderfully too; penne and rigatoni hold that creamy sauce like little pockets of joy.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try stirring in a handful of fresh basil with the spinach, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic. Julia always said the best recipes are the ones that bend to your mood and your pantry.
| Original | Swap Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh spinach | Frozen (thawed, drained) | Use about 1 cup frozen |
| Chicken breasts | Rotisserie chicken | Add 2 cups shredded with spinach |
| Any pasta shape | Penne, rigatoni, fusilli | Choose shapes that hold sauce well |
| Italian seasoning | Fresh basil + oregano | Use about 1 tsp fresh herbs |
Serving and Storage That Actually Works
I love serving this tomato spinach chicken pasta family-style in a big, shallow bowl with plenty of freshly grated parmesan and maybe some crusty bread on the side. The colors are so beautifulthat rich red sauce with bright green spinach and golden chicken.
Leftovers keep beautifully for up to three days, though the pasta will absorb some of the sauce. Allow to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen things up, and warm gently on the stove rather than the microwave for the best texture.
- Fresh serving: Garnish with extra parmesan, fresh basil, or a drizzle of good olive oil.
- Storage: Refrigerate up to 3 days in airtight containers.
- Reheating: Add liquid and warm gently on stovetop, stirring frequently.
Expert Insight: Balancing Flavors in Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta
When making tomato spinach chicken pasta, it’s important to balance the acidity of the tomatoes with the earthiness of the spinach and the richness of the chicken. This harmony allows each ingredient to shine without overpowering the dish, creating a satisfying and nutrient-rich meal every time.
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The Journey to the Best Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta
This tomato spinach chicken pasta took several dinners and a few forgotten spices before I nailed the balance of bright tomatoes and tender chicken with fresh greens. Each attempt reminded me to trust slow simmering and gentle stirring, and now the recipe feels like a warm, familiar hug on a weeknight table.
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.
Tomato spinach chicken pasta delivers everything you want in a weeknight dinnertender chicken, silky cream sauce, and vibrant spinach that wilts into perfect bites. In just 30 minutes, your kitchen fills with the kind of aromas that make everyone gather around the table. You’ll love how restaurant-worthy it tastes using simple ingredients you probably already have.
Here’s a trick Julia taught me: save a cup of that starchy pasta water before drainingit’s liquid gold for adjusting your sauce consistency. Try stirring in sun-dried tomatoes or a splash of white wine for special occasions. Leftovers reheat beautifully with a little milk or broth, making this perfect for meal prep too.
I’d love to see your family gathered around bowls of this comforting pasta! Share your photos and tell medoes this remind you of a favorite family dinner from your childhood? Save this recipe for those nights when you need something delicious without the fuss. Here’s to more magical weeknight dinners that bring everyone home.
