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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 2 cups penne pasta - 3 cups chicken broth - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) This recipe serves four people. You will need: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces. - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half for sweetness and color. - 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped to add flavor and nutrition. - 2 cups penne pasta, which holds the sauce well. - 3 cups chicken broth for richness. - 2 tablespoons of olive oil to sauté the chicken and garlic. - 3 cloves of garlic, minced for a strong aroma. - 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning for a blend of flavors. - Salt and pepper to taste, to enhance all the flavors. - Fresh basil leaves for garnishing, adding freshness. - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) for a creamy finish. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, heat the olive oil in a large pot on medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts. Season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear the chicken until it's browned, about 5-7 minutes. This step gives your chicken great flavor. Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Sauté it for about one minute until it smells nice. Then, stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and the chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a boil. The tomatoes add sweetness and depth to the dish. Once boiling, add the penne pasta. Stir well to mix everything together. Then, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to stop the pasta from sticking. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it's firm but not hard. After the pasta is cooked, add the chopped spinach. Mix it in until it wilts, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy this easy weeknight meal! To ensure your pasta is cooked al dente, follow these steps: - Use plenty of water to boil the pasta. This helps it cook evenly. - Stir the pasta often while it cooks. This keeps it from sticking together. - Check the pasta a minute or two before the cooking time ends. It should be firm but not hard. For the chicken, here are some tips to avoid overcooking: - Cut the chicken into small, even pieces. This helps them cook faster. - Cook the chicken until it is golden brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes. - Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken's doneness. It should reach 165°F. To make your dish stand out, think about these creative plating ideas: - Use a large bowl to serve the pasta. This makes it look inviting. - Twirl the pasta on a fork before placing it on the plate. This adds height. - Arrange the spinach and tomatoes on top for a colorful finish. For garnishes, consider these options to enhance flavor: - Fresh basil leaves add a nice touch. They also bring a fresh aroma. - A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can boost the taste. If you like, add this just before serving. Here are some suggestions for spices you can add: - Red pepper flakes give a nice kick. Start with a pinch and adjust to taste. - A dash of lemon juice adds brightness. This works well with the tomatoes. If you want alternatives for Parmesan cheese, try these: - Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor and is dairy-free. - Crumbled feta cheese can give a salty taste. It pairs well with spinach. Pro Tips Cut Chicken Evenly: Ensure that the chicken is diced into uniform pieces so that they cook evenly throughout the dish. Quick Garlic Flavor: Sautéing the garlic for just a minute before adding other ingredients helps to release its aromatic flavor without burning it. Fresh Spinach Addition: Add the spinach at the end of cooking to retain its vibrant color and nutrients, ensuring it wilts just enough to maintain its fresh texture. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as feta or mozzarella for a unique flavor twist that complements the dish. {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken for shrimp or sausage. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a fresh taste. Just toss it in during the last few minutes of cooking. Sausage gives a hearty flavor. Slice it and brown it first, then follow the same steps. For a vegetarian option, use chickpeas or tofu. They soak up flavors well. Add them with the tomatoes and broth. This way, you keep the dish filling and tasty. You can use different pasta shapes. Try fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Each shape holds the sauce differently. This makes the dish fun and unique each time. If you need gluten-free pasta, look for options made from rice or quinoa. They cook well and taste great. Just check the box for cooking time. For a creamier sauce, add heavy cream or cream cheese. This gives the dish a rich, smooth texture. Stir it in after the pasta cooks. You can also add different vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms work well. Just chop them and add them with the garlic. They add color and extra nutrients to your meal. Store your leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let the pasta cool first. This helps keep it fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you plan to eat it, check for any signs of spoilage before reheating. To freeze, use a freezer-safe container. Divide the pasta into meal-sized portions. It’s best to freeze it without the garnishes. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheat the pasta on the stove for best results. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Stir gently over low heat until warmed through. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to heat evenly. Adjust seasoning if needed before serving. This recipe takes about 30 minutes. You will spend 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook. It is quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight meal. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook it fully, then cool it down. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. You can serve this dish with a fresh green salad or garlic bread. A light vinaigrette pairs well with the pasta. You might also add roasted vegetables for a hearty side. Yes, dried herbs work well too. Use about one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh. Dried Italian seasoning is a good choice. It adds great flavor but may lack some freshness. This recipe for One-Pot Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta covers the key steps and ingredients. You learned about main and extra ingredients, exact measurements, and cooking instructions. Helpful tips for cooking and storing ensure your dish comes out perfectly each time. Variations offer tasty options for different diets and preferences. With this knowledge, you can now create a delicious meal that impresses. Enjoy cooking and sharing your beautiful dish!

One-Pot Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta

A delicious and easy one-pot meal featuring chicken, tomatoes, spinach, and pasta.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 2 cups penne pasta
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves
  • optional grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and the chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
  • Once boiling, add the penne pasta. Stir well to combine, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • After the pasta is cooked, add the chopped spinach and mix until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
  • Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Feel free to add more vegetables or adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Keyword chicken, easy, one-pot, pasta