Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes is a delicious and wholesome dish that comes together quickly. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich creamy sauce makes this dish a hit for both kids and adults. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some greens into your meal!
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes
Ingredients:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat everything in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes
Serve this dish hot right from the skillet for a cozy and satisfying meal. You can pair it with a simple side salad or some garlic bread for a complete dinner. If you want to impress your guests, garnish each plate with a sprinkle of fresh basil.
How to Store Creamy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the pasta dries out.
Tips to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes
- Make sure to season the chicken well with salt and pepper before cooking for better flavor.
- To save time, use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken.
- Adjust the cream based on how rich you want the sauce. You can also use half-and-half for a lighter version.
- For extra flavor, add Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Variation
Feel free to customize this recipe! Add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. For a different protein, shrimp or beef can be great alternatives. You can also use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare all the ingredients and cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just combine with the pasta right before serving.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
You can use whole grain pasta, reduce the amount of cream, or add more vegetables to increase nutrition.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
While it’s best served fresh, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 2 months. Just remember to add a bit of liquid when reheating to keep it creamy.
Creamy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes
A delicious and wholesome creamy chicken pasta dish with fresh spinach and tomatoes, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat everything in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, chicken pasta, spinach recipes, quick dinner, weeknight meal