This Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta is the perfect combination of tender chicken, creamy tomato sauce, fresh spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a satisfying family meal, this recipe delivers rich flavor with simple ingredients and easy preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy tomato-based sauce
- Tender, juicy chicken in every bite
- Packed with fresh spinach for added color and nutrition
- Easy enough for busy weeknights
- Family-friendly and comforting
- Made with everyday pantry ingredients
- Ready in about 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
- 2 chicken breasts
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions.
- Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner pieces. Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes per side or until fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth and combined.
- Reduce the heat to medium and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips.
- Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Add the chicken strips and spinach to the skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved hot pasta water.
- Drain the pasta and toss it with the sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve the Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta immediately with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Tricks
- Use penne, rotini, fettuccine, or rigatoni for excellent sauce coverage.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and provides superior flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
- For extra vegetables, stir in mushrooms or diced bell peppers.
- Avoid overcooking the spinach to maintain its bright color.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: High Protein, Family-Friendly
Notes
- Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if preferred.
- Half-and-half may be used for a lighter sauce.
- Add extra spinach for additional nutrients.
- Serve with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.
- Parmesan can be replaced with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 31g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 620mg
FAQ
Can I make Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the recipe up to one day ahead and reheat gently before serving.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne, rigatoni, rotini, and fettuccine all work well because they hold the creamy tomato sauce beautifully.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes. Thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the sauce.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Allow it to simmer a few extra minutes or add a little more Parmesan cheese.
Can I make this recipe lighter?
Yes. Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
Is Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta freezer-friendly?
Yes, although cream-based sauces may separate slightly after thawing. Stir well while reheating.
Storage
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
Warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk, cream, or water to restore the sauce consistency.
Similar Recipes
Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
- 2 chicken breasts
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 –3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 14-ounce can tomato sauce
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions.
- Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner pieces. Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes per side or until fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth and combined.
- Reduce the heat to medium and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips.
- Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Add the chicken strips and spinach to the skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved hot pasta water.
- Drain the pasta and toss it with the sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve the Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta immediately with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if preferred.
- Half-and-half may be used for a lighter sauce.
- Add extra spinach for additional nutrients.
- Serve with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.
- Parmesan can be replaced with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
Conclusion
This Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta is a delicious balance of creamy, savory, and comforting flavors. Tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich tomato cream sauce come together in a simple meal that feels restaurant-worthy while remaining easy enough for any night of the week. Add it to your dinner rotation and enjoy a satisfying pasta dish the whole family will love.