– 8 oz (about 225g) of pasta (penne or fusilli works well)
– 1 lb (450g) of chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Creating Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta is simple if you follow these easy steps:
1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.
2. Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink and cooked through.
4. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
5. Incorporate Spinach and Tomatoes: Add the chopped spinach and halved tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften.
6. Create the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning, if using. Stir well to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the mixture is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
8. Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. Toss gently to combine the cheese into the pasta.
These straightforward steps will guide you in creating this incredible dish effortlessly.