Are you craving a restaurant-quality meal that's both quick and incredibly delicious? Look no further than this mouthwatering Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta that will transform your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary! Imagine tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes dancing together with perfectly cooked penne, all brought to life with a hint of garlic and a sprinkle of Parmesan. This isn't just a recipe - it's a culinary adventure that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the pickiest eaters.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken breasts. Season with salt and pepper, then grill or pan-sear until fully cooked through, with internal temperature reaching 165°F. Let rest for 3-4 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.
- Introduce fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts, approximately 1-2 minutes. The spinach should turn a vibrant dark green and reduce in volume.
- Add the cooked and sliced chicken to the skillet, stirring to combine with the tomatoes and spinach.
- Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet. Toss everything together, using reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Always reserve some pasta water before draining - its starchy magic helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients stick together beautifully.
- To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check it reaches 165°F internally. This guarantees juicy, safe-to-eat chicken every time.
- Don't overcook your spinach! It should just wilt and turn a vibrant dark green - this preserves its nutrients and prevents a mushy texture.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of white wine when sautéing the garlic for a gourmet touch.
- Fresh ingredients make all the difference - use ripe cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach for the most vibrant flavors and best texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 75mg
