Creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta

Name: Creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (Cut into 1-inch cubes); 1 tablespoon Olive oil; 0.5 teaspoon Salt; 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper; 1 Onion (Small, chopped); 2 cloves Garlic (Minced); 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes (1 can); 10 ounces Frozen spinach (Thawed and squeezed dry); 1 cup Heavy cream; 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (Grated); 0.25 teaspoon Dried oregano; 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (Optional); 1 pound Pasta (Penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)

BY :

Noelia

Posted On :

September 12, 2025

Dinner

Dive into a world of flavor with this incredibly creamy and satisfying Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta! This recipe is a weeknight winner, ready in under 30 minutes, and bursting with vibrant taste. Forget bland pasta dinners; this dish elevates the classic comfort food to new heights. The tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and luscious creamy tomato sauce infused with spinach create a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a delicious meal the whole family will adore. Get ready to experience pasta perfection!

Why You’ll Love This Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta Recipe

This Creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. There are several reasons why it will quickly become a staple in your recipe repertoire:

Unbelievably Creamy Sauce: The heart of this dish lies in its rich and creamy tomato sauce. The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a velvety texture that clings perfectly to every strand of pasta.
Flavorful and Vibrant: The fresh spinach adds a pop of color and a subtle earthy flavor that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes and the savory chicken. The oregano and a hint of red pepper flakes (optional) elevate the dish’s aromatic complexity.
One-Pan Wonder (Almost!): This recipe minimizes cleanup time. Most of the cooking happens in a single skillet, making it a practical choice for busy weeknights.
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and a quick cooking process, this dish is perfect for those nights when you crave a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Customizable to Your Taste: Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta, add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers, or adjust the spice level to your preference. This recipe is incredibly versatile!
Perfect for Leftovers: This Creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta tastes even better the next day! Pack it for lunch or enjoy it as a quick and easy dinner.
Impressive Presentation: This dish looks as good as it tastes. The vibrant green spinach against the rich red sauce makes it a visually appealing meal, perfect for impressing guests or family.

Why You Should Try This Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta Recipe

In a world of endless recipe choices, this Creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta stands out for its unique blend of flavors and textures. Here’s why you should give it a try:

Satisfying and Filling: This dish is a complete protein powerhouse, thanks to the chicken and the richness of the creamy sauce. It’s the perfect meal to fuel your body and satisfy your cravings.
Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with spinach, a nutritional powerhouse, this recipe provides essential vitamins and minerals. The tomatoes are a great source of antioxidants, and the chicken offers lean protein.
Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are readily available and relatively inexpensive, making it a cost-effective meal option for your family.
Versatile and Adaptable: Easily adjust this recipe to fit your dietary needs and preferences. Want to make it vegetarian? Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or lentils. Prefer a spicier kick? Add more red pepper flakes. The possibilities are endless!
A Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe is consistently well-received by everyone, from picky eaters to adventurous foodies. It’s a surefire way to impress your guests or simply enjoy a delicious meal with your loved ones.
Improves Your Cooking Skills: Making this dish is a fantastic way to enhance your cooking skills and gain confidence in the kitchen. The simple techniques involved are easily mastered, and you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment once you’ve created this delicious meal from scratch.
A Delicious Escape: Cooking can be therapeutic, and this recipe is a great way to unwind and de-stress after a long day. The aroma of the simmering sauce and the satisfying process of creating a flavorful meal are incredibly rewarding.

Ingredients and Utensils for Creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta

Gathering the right ingredients and having the proper tools at hand are crucial for successful cooking. Below is a detailed list to ensure you’re fully prepared to make this delicious Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta.

Ingredients:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose high-quality chicken for optimal flavor and texture. Cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Keyword: Chicken Breast
1 tablespoon olive oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for a richer flavor. Keyword: Olive Oil
1/2 teaspoon salt: Adjust to your taste preference. Keyword: Salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is always best. Keyword: Black Pepper
1 small onion, chopped: Yellow or white onion works well. Keyword: Onion
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a pungent and savory aroma. Keyword: Garlic
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: Look for high-quality crushed tomatoes with minimal added ingredients. Keyword: Crushed Tomatoes
1 (10 ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry: Make sure to squeeze out excess water from the thawed spinach to prevent a watery sauce. Keyword: Frozen Spinach
1 cup heavy cream: This is key to the creamy texture of the sauce. Do not substitute with milk or half-and-half. Keyword: Heavy Cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese offers the best flavor. Keyword: Parmesan Cheese
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an earthy and slightly sweet flavor. Keyword: Oregano
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Add a touch of heat if desired. Keyword: Red Pepper Flakes
1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape): Choose a pasta shape that holds the sauce well. Keyword: Pasta

Utensils:

Large pot for pasta: Ensure it’s large enough to comfortably hold the pasta and water.
Colander: To drain the cooked pasta.
Large skillet: A 12-inch skillet is ideal for cooking the chicken and sauce.
Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the sauce and preventing sticking.
Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
Cutting board and knife: For chopping the onion and garlic.
Tongs or spatula: For flipping the chicken and serving.
Grater: For grating the Parmesan cheese.
Serving bowls: To serve your delicious Creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta.

Detailed Recipe Steps for Creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your perfect Creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta:

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions, until al dente. Important: Don’t overcook the pasta, or it will become mushy. Drain the pasta and set aside. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, just in case the sauce needs a little extra liquid at the end.
Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and season generously with salt and pepper. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even browning. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Tip: Don’t burn the garlic; it will become bitter.
Make the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, thawed and squeezed spinach, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Important: Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened. Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken and the drained pasta to the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy tomato sauce. Tip: Be careful not to break the pasta while tossing.
Serve: Serve the Creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh oregano, if desired.

Tips and Variations for Your Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for various adjustments to suit your preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredient Alternatives:

Chicken Alternatives: Substitute the chicken with chickpeas, lentils, or firm tofu for a vegetarian or vegan version.
Pasta Alternatives: Experiment with different pasta shapes, such as fettuccine, linguine, or even gluten-free pasta.
Vegetable Additions: Add other vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.
Cheese Alternatives: Try different cheeses, such as mozzarella, Asiago, or even a blend of Italian cheeses.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness.

Avoiding Common Mistakes:

Don’t overcook the pasta: Overcooked pasta will become mushy and ruin the texture of the dish. Cook until al dente.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
Don’t burn the garlic: Cook the garlic gently to avoid bitterness.
Don’t forget to squeeze the spinach: Excess water from the spinach will make the sauce watery. Squeeze out as much water as possible.
Taste and adjust seasoning: Adjust the salt, pepper, and oregano to your taste preference.

Nutritional Values and Benefits of Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta

This Creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta isn’t just delicious; it’s also a nutritious meal. While the exact nutritional values will vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used, here’s a general overview of the benefits:

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving): These values are estimates and may vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used. It’s always recommended to use a nutrition calculator for precise values.

Calories: Approximately 450-550 calories
Protein: Approximately 30-40 grams
Fat: Approximately 20-25 grams
Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50 grams

Benefits of Ingredients:

Chicken: An excellent source of lean protein, essential for building and repairing tissues.
Spinach: Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and folate.
Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that protects against cell damage.
Parmesan Cheese: Provides calcium and protein.
Oregano: Possesses anti-inflammatory properties and is a good source of antioxidants.

FAQs about Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta

Can I make this Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine with the cooked pasta just before serving to maintain the best texture and taste. The pasta is best added just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.

What kind of pasta is best for Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta?

Penne, rotini, and fusilli are excellent choices because they hold the sauce well. However, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as farfalle, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Choose a shape that complements your personal preference.

Is this Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but it can easily be adapted! Simply substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta. Make sure to check the label to ensure it’s certified gluten-free. Enjoy your gluten-free Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta!

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If using fresh spinach, wilt it in the pan with the garlic for a minute or two before adding the crushed tomatoes. You may need to adjust the cooking time as fresh spinach will cook more quickly than frozen.

How can I make this Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta spicier?

Increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bolder heat. For a smoky heat, consider adding a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Adjust to your preferred spice level.

Conclusion

This Creamy Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta recipe is a true culinary gem! It’s a quick, easy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant spinach create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will leave you satisfied and wanting more. Remember to adjust seasonings to your taste preferences and don’t hesitate to experiment with different pasta shapes and vegetable additions. This versatile recipe offers endless possibilities!

I encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family on social media and pin it to your favorite recipe boards on Pinterest! For more delicious recipe ideas, check out other amazing recipes on our blog: Noeliarecipes.com. For another delicious pasta option, you might also enjoy our Spinach Lasagna recipe. Happy cooking!