Tomato Spinach Chicken Spaghetti
A hearty, colorful, and flavorful pasta dish that brings together juicy chicken, vibrant spinach, and rich tomatoes in a light garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep!
📝 Ingredients
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1 lb (450 g) spaghetti
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
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5 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
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1/4 cup chicken broth (optional – for thinning the sauce)
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
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1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper to taste
🍳 Instructions
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Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. -
Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside. -
Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes:
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add diced tomatoes with juice, remaining Italian seasoning, and simmer for 2–3 minutes. -
Add Spinach:
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted. -
Combine Everything:
Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add drained pasta and Parmesan cheese. Toss everything to combine. If the mixture seems too dry, add a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water. -
Serve:
Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese.
👩🍳 Tips & Variations
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Creamy Version: Add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese to make it creamy.
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Add Heat: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for some spice.
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Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add mushrooms or zucchini.
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Meal Prep Friendly: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: Yes, thaw and drain well before adding. It won’t have the same texture as fresh but works in a pinch.
Q: Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?
A: Absolutely. Adjust cooking time according to the pasta type.
Q: What’s the best chicken to use?
A: Boneless chicken thighs give a richer flavor, but breasts are leaner and work great too.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes, skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
Q: Is this freezer-friendly?
A: It’s better fresh, but it can be frozen. Let it cool completely and store in an airtight container. Reheat with a little broth.
📸 Serving Suggestion
Serve with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or even fresh basil for extra flavor.
