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This tremendously delicious Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta is definitely a winner for busy weeknights. The combination of juicy chicken, sweet tomatoes, and vibrant spinach creates a restaurant-worthy dish that comes together with minimal effort. I've been making this for my family for years, and it's become our go-to meal when we want something satisfying yet quick.
I first created this recipe when I needed something quick after a long workday, and it's since become my most requested dish when friends come over. They always ask for the recipe before leaving!
Ingredients
- Penne pasta creates the perfect base that holds the sauce beautifully. Any short pasta works well here.
- Sun dried tomatoes bring intense concentrated flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Olive oil from the sun dried tomatoes infuses the dish with herbal notes.
- Boneless chicken pieces add lean protein and make this a complete meal.
- Fresh tomatoes provide juicy brightness that balances the rich flavors.
- Garlic cloves create an aromatic foundation that makes this dish irresistible.
- Fresh spinach wilts perfectly into the sauce adding color and nutrients.
- Parmesan cheese brings everything together with its salty umami finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta in heavily salted water until al dente according to package instructions. The pasta should have a slight bite to it as it will continue cooking slightly when added to the sauce. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the Chicken
- Heat the reserved sun dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped sun dried tomatoes and chicken pieces, seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for precisely 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is just cooked through but still juicy. The sun dried tomato oil will infuse the chicken with amazing flavor.
- Build the Sauce
- Add the fresh chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, and spinach to the skillet. Cook for 3 minutes, gently stirring until the spinach begins to wilt and the tomatoes start releasing their juices. The garlic should become fragrant but not brown. This quick cooking preserves the freshness of the ingredients.
- Combine Components
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce. Sprinkle half the Parmesan cheese over everything and toss gently but thoroughly to combine. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce that coats every piece of pasta.
- Finish with Flair
- Drizzle a bit of high quality olive oil over the pasta and dust with the remaining Parmesan cheese. This final touch adds richness and a beautiful presentation. Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor experience.
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The sun dried tomatoes are truly the secret ingredient here. I discovered their transformative power years ago when making this for a dinner party. My Italian grandmother was visiting and gave it her enthusiastic approval, which is the highest culinary praise possible in our family!
Make Ahead Options
This pasta dish works wonderfully for meal prep. Simply prepare as directed, cool completely, then portion into airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to revive the sauce as the pasta tends to absorb liquid as it sits.
Customization Ideas
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add extra vegetables or white beans for protein. Mushrooms work particularly well as they add meaty texture and umami flavor. For a creamier sauce, stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or cream cheese right before adding the pasta.
Serving Suggestions
This vibrant pasta works beautifully alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. For a complete Italian inspired meal, start with bruschetta or a small antipasto platter. While the dish is complete on its own, a slice of crusty garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment for soaking up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
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Commonly Asked Questions
- → Can I use different pasta shapes for this dish?
Yes, while the recipe calls for penne, you can substitute with rotini, farfalle, fusilli or any other small to medium-shaped pasta. The important thing is to cook it al dente according to package instructions so it maintains its texture when combined with the sauce.
- → How can I make this dish creamier?
For a creamier texture, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining. Add this starchy water to the skillet when combining the pasta with the sauce. The starch helps create a silky consistency. You could also add 1/4 cup of heavy cream or cream cheese near the end of cooking.
- → What vegetables can I add to this pasta dish?
This versatile dish works well with many vegetables. Try adding asparagus, broccoli florets, bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. For firmer vegetables like broccoli, add them when cooking the chicken to ensure they soften properly. Quick-cooking vegetables like zucchini can be added with the tomatoes and spinach.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as the pasta will absorb liquid while stored. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
- → How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat level, double the amount of red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño when cooking the garlic. You could also incorporate a dash of cayenne pepper or a spoonful of harissa paste for different spice profiles. Serve with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer extra heat.
- → Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. You'll get a similar umami flavor while keeping the dish completely plant-based. You might want to add a bit more olive oil to maintain richness.