Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta

This bright and fresh Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta is super quick and easy to make – perfect when you need a satisfying dinner in a hurry! Using simple pantry ingredients makes this one of my easiest ever pasta dishes… and my most crave-worthy – just light enough to feel fresh but filling enough for a busy night. And the spinach melts in perfectly without taking over!

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Can you make a delicious pasta sauce with just tomatoes and spinach?

In a word, yes! This delicious pasta feels like that dinner you make once and then crave again a few days later- making it one of my easiest ever pasta dishes… and my most dependable – just bright, warm flavors that hit the sweet spot every time.

Better still, it requires only simple ingredients – chicken, pasta, tomatoes, spinach and garlic. (You will also need a little olive oil to sauté everything and you may want to add some cheese on top – but that’s totally optional!)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta brings big flavor without making things complicated.

Balanced taste: Tomatoes add freshness while cheese adds depth.

One pan sauce: Everything blends smoothly without extra steps.

Weeknight friendly: Simple prep and quick cooking time.

Comforting but fresh: Hearty pasta meets bright vegetables.

Family friendly: Mild flavors that everyone enjoys.

Easy leftovers: Tastes just as good the next day.

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Ingredients

For the Pasta and Chicken:

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken, cut into small cubes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

For the Sauce and Vegetables:

• 6 medium tomatoes, chopped
• ⅓ cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 10 ounces spinach
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

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Step by Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the penne and cook until tender with a slight bite. Drain and set aside, saving a small cup of pasta water in case the sauce needs loosening later.

2. Season the Chicken

Place the chicken cubes in a bowl and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss well so every piece gets coated evenly.

3. Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken in a single layer. Let it cook until golden on the outside, stirring gently so it stays juicy. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.

4. Build the Base

In the same skillet, add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and sun dried tomatoes. Let them simmer until soft and slightly saucy.

5. Add the Spinach

Drop the spinach into the pan a handful at a time. Stir until it wilts into the tomato mixture. The color stays bright and the texture turns tender.

6. Bring It Together

Return the chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together gently. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce feels thick.

7. Finish With Cheese

Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Tips & Variations

• Use cherry tomatoes for extra sweetness.
• Add mushrooms for more depth.
• Swap penne with fusilli or rigatoni.
• Use grilled chicken for smoky flavor.
• Add cream for a richer sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta works great on its own, but a simple side makes it shine even more. Garlic bread pairs perfectly with the saucy pasta. A crisp green salad adds a nice contrast.

When I serve this for guests, I top each bowl with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil. It looks inviting and smells amazing right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned tomatoes?

Yes diced tomatoes work well when fresh ones are unavailable.

Does this reheat well?

Yes warm it gently on the stove with a splash of water.

Can I skip the spice?

Yes leave out red pepper flakes for a milder dish.

What protein swaps work?

Shrimp or turkey pieces fit nicely.

Can I make it dairy free?

Skip the cheese or use a dairy free option.

How long does it keep?

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days.

Final Thoughts

Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels comforting and fresh at the same time. The sauce clings to the pasta, the chicken stays tender, and the spinach blends right in without overpowering anything.

This recipe works well for quiet dinners, family meals, or quick leftovers that still feel homemade. It always delivers a bowl that feels warm, balanced, and easy to enjoy.