When it comes to preparing a quick, nutritious, and flavorful meal, nothing beats a one-pan recipe. This One-Pan Tomato & Spinach Chicken Pasta dish is the epitome of simplicity and deliciousness, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time. Combining tender pieces of chicken breast, fresh spinach, and hearty pasta, all simmered in a rich tomato and broth sauce, this dish brings together classic Italian flavors with a modern, easy-cooking twist.
The beauty of this dish lies not only in its taste but also in its convenience. With minimal prep, you can have a well-balanced, restaurant-quality meal on the table in just 40 minutes. Plus, since everything cooks in one pan, cleanup is a breeze! If you’re looking for a quick, nutritious dinner that will satisfy the whole family, look no further than this one-pan pasta.
This One-Pan Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta is the perfect balance of comfort and convenience. Tender chicken pieces are cooked with garlic, tomatoes, and fresh spinach, all nestled in a creamy, Parmesan-infused sauce. The best part? It’s made in just one pan, making both cooking and clean-up a breeze.Ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a meal in a pinch, this dish is full of vibrant flavors that will satisfy any craving. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a wholesome and delicious dinner on the table that the whole family will love.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Directions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
- Add the penne pasta to the skillet and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
- Add the spinach to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until wilted. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and the cooked chicken. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 550 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Background
This recipe is inspired by traditional Italian cooking, which emphasizes fresh, wholesome ingredients and simple cooking techniques. Italian cuisine is known for its use of tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and pasta as staples, and this dish honors those flavors while keeping the process easy and accessible. By using boneless chicken breasts, this recipe incorporates a lean protein source, while fresh spinach adds a nutrient-dense component that boosts both the flavor and the health benefits.
One-pan recipes have become increasingly popular due to their efficiency and ability to deliver hearty meals without a sink full of dirty dishes. In today’s fast-paced world, finding recipes that offer a balance of flavor, nutrition, and ease is essential, and this one-pan pasta ticks all those boxes. The combination of pasta and chicken in a tomato-broth sauce delivers a comforting dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly light, especially with the addition of spinach.
Why This Recipe is the Best
- Time-Saving Convenience
One of the most compelling reasons this dish stands out is its simplicity. The entire meal comes together in one skillet, meaning there’s no need to juggle multiple pots or pans, making it perfect for busy individuals or families. You get a hearty, flavorful dish in under 40 minutes without sacrificing flavor or nutritional value. - Balanced Nutrition
This recipe is an excellent source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. The chicken breast provides lean protein, helping to keep you full and maintain muscle mass, while the spinach is rich in iron, magnesium, and vitamins A and C. The pasta adds complex carbohydrates for energy, and the tomatoes offer antioxidants like lycopene, which is beneficial for heart health. - Versatility and Customization
One of the great aspects of this recipe is its versatility. It’s incredibly easy to customize based on your dietary preferences or what you have on hand. You can substitute gluten-free pasta for a gluten-friendly version, add extra vegetables for more nutrients, or swap the chicken for a plant-based alternative to make it vegetarian. The sauce’s flavor can also be adjusted with extra spices, herbs, or a touch of chili flakes for heat. - Rich, Bold Flavors
Despite the minimal ingredient list, the flavors in this dish are bold and well-rounded. The chicken is browned to bring out its savory flavor, while the combination of canned tomatoes, chicken broth, and a splash of red wine creates a deeply satisfying sauce. The spinach adds a fresh contrast, lightening up the dish while also packing a nutritional punch. It’s a perfect balance of hearty and fresh.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Healthy and Wholesome: This dish provides a complete meal with lean protein, leafy greens, and carbohydrates, all in one pan. Spinach is rich in iron and antioxidants, while chicken gives you the protein your body needs for muscle repair and overall energy.
- Low on Cleanup: With just one skillet used, there’s minimal dishwashing involved, making it the perfect recipe for weeknights or when you’re short on time.
- Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are affordable and accessible, making this meal budget-friendly while still being hearty and nutritious. You can also substitute or omit ingredients based on what you have on hand, such as using vegetable broth or adding extra veggies.
- Crowd Pleaser: The combination of pasta, chicken, and spinach in a rich tomato sauce is universally appealing. Whether you’re cooking for kids, adults, or picky eaters, this dish is bound to be a hit.
Conclusion:
The One-Pan Tomato & Spinach Chicken Pasta is an excellent example of how you don’t need to sacrifice flavor or nutrition for convenience. This dish is ideal for anyone seeking a quick, hearty, and delicious meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy nights. With a well-balanced mix of lean protein, nutritious greens, and satisfying pasta, this recipe has everything you need for a wholesome meal in one skillet.
Not only does it cut down on preparation time, but it also minimizes cleanup, leaving you with more time to enjoy your evening. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this one-pan wonder is sure to impress with its robust flavors and simple elegance. Plus, with plenty of room for customization, it’s a recipe that you can adapt and enjoy again and again.
For a weeknight meal that’s equal parts easy, healthy, and flavorful, One-Pan Tomato & Spinach Chicken Pasta is the recipe you’ll come back to time and time again.