Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
This warm, satisfying dish combines tender chicken, vibrant tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a golden olive oil base that’s bursting with Mediterranean flair. The sun-dried tomatoes add a deep, slightly tangy richness that pairs beautifully with the earthy spinach and the natural sweetness of chopped Roma tomatoes. It’s a hearty yet healthy one-pan meal that feels fancy but requires only 30 minutes and basic kitchen skills. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or cooking for two, this Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta will become a new weeknight favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta
- Deliciously savory: The sun-dried tomatoes give the chicken and pasta a complex umami punch that makes every bite addictive.
- Quick assembly: Throw everything into a single skillet and you’ll go from raw ingredients to finished meal in just 30 minutes.
- Flexible recipe: Use leftover chicken, swap in zucchini for gluten-free pasta, or omit the red pepper flakes to keep it kid-approved.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped, drained of oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil drained from sun-dried tomatoes jar
- ½ lb chicken (boneless skinless thighs preferred), chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 roma tomatoes chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves chopped
- 8 oz spinach fresh
- 3 garlic cloves chopped
- 8 oz spaghetti pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (high quality or from sun-dried tomatoes jar)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-low. Sauté sun-dried tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of their oil until fragrant (3-4 minutes).
- Add chicken pieces and stir to coat in oil. Sprinkle salt and red pepper flakes over the chicken.
- Cook 5 minutes until chicken is opaque. Add Roma tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and basil. Stir gently until spinach wilts (3-5 minutes).
- Cook pasta separately according to package instructions until al dente.
- Transfer cooked pasta into the skillet with the chicken-vegetable mixture. Gently reheat, tossing frequently. Add extra olive oil if desired for richness.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Want extra garlic flavor? Sauté minced garlic for 1 minute before adding chicken.
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for more moisture or swap in tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Pro upgrade: Stir in a splash of heavy cream (or coconut milk) for a creamier sauce texture.
- Most critical step: Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook chicken in batches if needed to ensure it browns properly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty pasta with crusty garlic bread and a green salad for balance. The bold flavors shine particularly well with rustic Italian wines like Chianti, or pair with iced tea for a lighter option. Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store covered in the fridge up to 3 days.
Storage & Reheating
Cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or olive oil to restore moisture. For crisper pasta, finish reheating in a skillet instead of the microwave.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per Serving)
Calories: 420 | Protein: 30g | Carbs: 45g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 4g. Note: Nutrition values are approximations based on recipe proportions.
Final Thoughts
This Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta embodies what makes weeknight cooking delightful – quick prep with maximum flavor payoff. The combination of tangy sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil over tender chicken creates a comforting meal that feels special enough for guests but effortless enough for busy days. Give it a try and consider sharing your spin on this recipe in the comments below!




