This creamy chicken pasta with spinach and tomatoes is a weeknight dinner winner! It's quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect meal for busy families or anyone looking for a satisfying and healthy dinner. This recipe utilizes fresh ingredients to create a vibrant and flavorful dish that's sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
What are the ingredients for Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes?
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You'll need readily available ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator. Here's a basic list:
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease of cooking. You can dice them or cut them into strips, depending on your preference.
- Pasta: Any short pasta shape works well, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a boost of nutrients and vibrant green color.
- Tomatoes: Use either chopped fresh tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes. Fresh tomatoes provide a brighter flavor, while canned offer convenience.
- Cream: Heavy cream or half-and-half creates the creamy sauce. You can also use a lighter alternative like milk or cream cheese for a lower-fat option.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a pungent and savory flavor.
- Onion: A small yellow onion adds subtle sweetness and depth to the dish.
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (optional) elevate the flavors. Don't be afraid to experiment with other herbs and spices! A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese at the end adds richness.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes?
This recipe is incredibly straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Cook the Pasta: Cook your chosen pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, sauté the diced chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Create the Sauce: Stir in the cream (or milk/cream cheese alternative), diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine everything evenly.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (if desired).
What kind of pasta is best for chicken pasta with spinach and tomatoes?
As mentioned above, short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, farfalle, or even fusilli work exceptionally well. These shapes have good surface area to catch the creamy sauce. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti or linguine, which might be harder to coat evenly.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and substitute with firm tofu, chickpeas, or lentils for a hearty vegetarian alternative. The creamy sauce and spinach and tomato combination are delicious on their own.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make this recipe healthier, you can use reduced-fat cream or a milk-based sauce instead of heavy cream. You can also increase the amount of spinach for extra nutrients. Using whole wheat pasta is another great way to boost the fiber content.
What are some variations of this recipe?
Get creative! This recipe is a great base for experimentation. Here are a few ideas:
- Add mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms add earthy depth to the dish.
- Use different cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or Asiago.
- Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes: For an intense tomato flavor.
- Add some lemon juice: A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavor profile.
This creamy chicken pasta with spinach and tomatoes is a versatile and delicious recipe that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
