Description
This Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta brings the flavors of Naples straight to your kitchen. Juicy chicken, fresh spinach, and sweet cherry tomatoes mingle with aromatic garlic and oregano, tossed with perfectly al dente pasta and finished with Parmesan and basil. A simple, wholesome meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes and bursting with Mediterranean flavor.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, cubed
12 oz penne pasta
5 cups fresh spinach
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and oregano, and cook until golden brown, 6-7 minutes.
3. Push chicken to one side, add garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add cherry tomatoes and cook 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
5. Add spinach in batches, wilting each before adding more, about 2-3 minutes total.
6. Combine cooked pasta with chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Toss gently.
7. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Toss to coat evenly.
8. Serve immediately with an extra drizzle of olive oil and more Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for best flavor.
Do not overcook pasta; al dente texture is essential.
Simmer tomatoes slightly for a rustic sauce.
Garnish with fresh basil just before serving to preserve color and aroma.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta, Italian, Healthy
- Method: Skillet/Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg