Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 8 oz whole wheat pasta (your choice of shape) - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (drained) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) - Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional) When choosing chicken, go for fresh, high-quality breasts. Look for clear skin and no dark spots. For pasta, whole wheat is best. It adds fiber and a nice nutty taste. Use fresh spinach for its vibrant color and taste. Canned tomatoes should be ripe and juicy. Check the label for no added sugar. Fresh herbs give more flavor than dried ones. Always choose good-quality olive oil for cooking. You can swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian dish. Use gluten-free pasta if you need to avoid gluten. Spinach can be replaced with kale or Swiss chard. If you dislike tomatoes, use bell peppers or zucchini. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a dairy-free option. Adjust seasonings to fit your taste, too. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it boils, add 8 ounces of whole wheat pasta. Cook it according to the package directions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside. This step is quick and easy but very important for great texture. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 2 diced boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes. You want it browned and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Don’t skip this step; well-cooked chicken adds a lot of flavor. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. This helps build flavor. Sauté 1 finely chopped onion and 2 minced cloves of garlic until they are fragrant and golden. This should take about 3 to 4 minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen with warmth. Now, add 1 can (14 oz) of drained diced tomatoes and 2 cups of fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir them in and cook until the spinach wilts, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Then, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together. Make sure the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes. This allows all the flavors to blend nicely. To serve, plate the pasta in a large bowl or individual plates. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top. If you like, add fresh basil leaves for a nice garnish. This dish looks great and tastes even better. Enjoy your meal with extra Parmesan on the side for those who want more cheesy goodness! To cook pasta well, you need a big pot of water. Use plenty of salt in the water. This helps give the pasta flavor. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which means firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Remember to stir it so it doesn’t stick together. After cooking, drain it right away. Rinse it with cold water to stop cooking. This keeps your pasta just right for the dish. To keep chicken juicy, cook it on medium heat. First, heat the oil in your skillet, then add the chicken. Season it well with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Cook it for 6 to 8 minutes. You want the outside to be golden brown and the inside to be fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer if you have one. The chicken should be 165°F. If you cut it and the juices run clear, it's perfect! Fresh herbs can really boost the taste of your meal. Basil is a great choice for this pasta dish. Add fresh basil leaves right before serving. This adds a bright and fresh touch. You can also use parsley or thyme for different flavors. Just chop them finely and sprinkle them on top. If you want more flavor, feel free to add herbs while cooking. This will make your dish pop with taste and color! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and ripe tomatoes will enhance the flavor of your pasta dish significantly. Always opt for the freshest produce you can find. Customize Your Pasta: Feel free to switch up the type of whole wheat pasta you use. Penne, fusilli, or spaghetti all work well with this sauce. Extra Flavor Boost: For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce after sautéing the garlic and onion. Let it simmer for a minute before adding the tomatoes and spinach. Meal Prep Friendly: This dish can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the pasta. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Just skip the chicken. Replace it with extra vegetables. Try mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. These add great flavor and texture. Use the same spices for taste. You can keep the rest of the recipe the same. It will still be delicious and satisfying. To make this recipe gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta. Many options are available, such as rice or quinoa pasta. Follow the same cooking instructions. The sauce and chicken will pair well with these pasta types. This way, you still enjoy all those great flavors without gluten. You can boost the nutrition by adding more vegetables. Consider adding broccoli, peas, or carrots. These can add color and crunch. Sauté them with the onion and garlic for best results. This not only enhances the dish but also makes it healthier. Feel free to experiment and make it your own! After enjoying your Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta, let it cool down. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want, you can separate the pasta from the sauce. This keeps everything better. When you're ready to eat, you can heat it in several ways. The best way is on the stove. Use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist. Stir often until hot. You can also use the microwave. Place the pasta in a bowl and cover it. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. If you want to save some for later, freezing works great. First, divide it into individual portions. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Squeeze out as much air as you can. This prevents freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your meal later with ease! Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it first. Frozen spinach will work well in this dish. It might be softer than fresh, but it still adds great flavor. To add some heat, try adding red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. You can also use spicy sausage instead of chicken for a different flavor. Hot sauce is another easy way to spice things up. You can use shrimp, turkey, or tofu. Each protein will change the taste slightly. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice touch. Turkey is lean and works well, while tofu gives a vegetarian option. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and chicken, then store them separately. Combine them just before serving for the best taste. This makes it easy to heat and serve on busy nights. This article covered key components of a delicious dish, from ingredients to storage. We looked at quality ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. We also explored variations like vegetarian and gluten-free options. In the end, remember that this dish is flexible. You can adapt it to fit your tastes and needs. Cooking should be fun and easy, so enjoy the process and your meal. Make it your own!$

Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta

A delicious and healthy pasta dish featuring chicken, spinach, and tomatoes.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
8 oz whole wheat pasta (your choice of shape)
2 cups fresh spinach
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
to taste fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Cook until the chicken is browned and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and golden (about 3-4 minutes).
Add Tomatoes and Spinach: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted (about 2-3 minutes).
Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve: Plate the pasta and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

Serve in a large bowl or individual plates, with extra Parmesan on the side for those who want more cheesy goodness. A sprig of fresh basil on top adds a lovely touch!

Keyword chicken, healthy, pasta, spinach, tomato