The Creamiest One-Pan Tomato & Spinach Chicken Pasta Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand simple, delicious solutions like this one-pan tomato & spinach chicken pasta that delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

Tender chicken nestles perfectly among al dente pasta strands, creating a colorful and satisfying meal.

Creamy sauce coats every bite, while fresh spinach adds vibrant green notes and nutrition.

Pantry staples come together effortlessly, making this recipe a go-to for busy home cooks.

The combination of juicy chicken, tangy tomatoes, and earthy spinach creates a harmony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This comforting dish proves that great meals don’t require complicated techniques or endless dishes.

Savor every forkful of this crowd-pleasing pasta that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner.

One-Pan Chicken Pasta—Creative Variations

• Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based protein crumbles, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.
• Mediterranean Magic: Swap penne with orzo pasta, add kalamata olives, feta cheese, and use white wine with extra herbs like oregano and basil for a Greek-inspired meal.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free penne pasta, ensure chicken broth is certified gluten-free, and replace regular pasta with zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, swap wine with tequila, include black beans, and sprinkle chili powder for a zesty, southwestern-style one-pan chicken pasta.

Presenting One-Pan Tomato Spinach Chicken

• Rustic Italian Family Feast: Gather loved ones around the table and enjoy this hearty pasta dish as a complete meal with crusty bread for soaking up delicious sauce.
• Weekend Movie Night Delight: Serve in oversized bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parmesan cheese and pair with a crisp white wine or sparkling water for a cozy dinner experience.
• Fresh Garden Side Salad Companion: Add a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich flavors of the chicken and pasta, creating a well-rounded dinner plate.
• Leftover Lunch Makeover: Pack cold portions for next day's lunch in meal prep containers, with an extra drizzle of olive oil to refresh the pasta's moisture and flavor.

Storing Your Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing spinach as it can become mushy.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir gently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta like fusilli, rotini, or shells. Just ensure cooking times remain similar.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

• Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can cook the pasta and chicken in advance and reheat gently in the skillet with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.

Why One-Pan Tomato Spinach Chicken Wins

• Simplify Cooking: Create a delicious meal using just one pan, reducing cleanup time and kitchen mess.
• Nutrient-Packed Meal: Combine protein-rich chicken, wholesome spinach, and hearty penne for a balanced, nutritious dinner that satisfies every family member.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Prepare a complete meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy households craving a home-cooked dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor-Packed Technique: Build deep, rich flavors by browning chicken, deglazing with wine, and allowing ingredients to simmer together, creating a mouthwatering one-pot pasta experience.

Tomato & Spinach Chicken Pasta Essentials

• Chicken: A lean protein that serves as the primary source of protein and adds substantial flavor to the dish.

• Penne Pasta: A tube-shaped pasta that holds sauce well and provides the carbohydrate foundation of the recipe.
• Swanson Chicken Broth, Water: These liquids create the cooking liquid for the pasta and help develop a rich, flavorful sauce.

• Onion: Adds a sweet and aromatic base to the dish, providing depth of flavor.
• Tomatoes: Contribute a tangy and rich sauce component with natural acidity.
• Spinach: A nutrient-dense green that wilts quickly and adds color and freshness to the final dish.
• Wine: Helps deglaze the pan and adds complexity to the overall flavor profile.
• Oil: Provides the initial cooking medium for browning the chicken and sautéing ingredients.

Make This Pasta In One-Pan Steps

Step 1: Sizzle The Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Season chicken with your favorite spices.

Cook the chicken until golden brown, turning frequently.

Once browned, remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Caramelize The Onions

Add onions to the same skillet and cook until they become soft and slightly translucent.

Pour in wine, scraping up the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 3: Build The Pasta Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Penne pasta
• Water

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium.

Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta becomes tender.

Step 4: Combine And Finish

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.

Cook for 2 minutes to ensure chicken is heated through.

Gently fold in fresh spinach and cook for an additional minute until spinach wilts.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Transfer the one-pan chicken pasta to serving plates.

Garnish with optional fresh herbs or grated parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips To Perfect Your One-Pan Pasta

• Marinate chicken beforehand in herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra flavor punch before cooking.
• Stir pasta frequently during cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent clumping or uneven cooking.
• Replace wine with chicken broth or apple juice if avoiding alcohol, maintaining the recipe's moisture and depth.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for increased nutritional value and color variety.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe, juicy results without overcooking.

One-Pan Tomato & Spinach Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delightful one-pan tomato & spinach chicken pasta brings Italian comfort straight to kitchen tables with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Creamy, herb-infused sauce combines perfectly seared chicken, fresh spinach, and tender pasta, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 10 ounces (280 grams) boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups baby spinach

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) Swanson® Chicken Broth
• ¾ cup (180 milliliters) water
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) red wine
• 1 14.5 ounces (411 grams) can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano, undrained

Other Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 medium onion
• 4 ounces (113 grams) uncooked penne pasta

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Instructions

1. Generously coat chicken with preferred seasonings. Sear in hot, oiled skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown, rotating frequently for even coloration. Transfer chicken to clean plate.
2. Sauté onions in same skillet until translucent and slightly crisp. Deglaze pan with wine, scraping accumulated flavor bits from bottom of skillet.
3. Pour tomatoes, chicken broth, penne, and water into skillet. Bring liquid to rapid boil, then reduce heat to medium. Simmer pasta for approximately 10 minutes, stirring intermittently until pasta reaches tender consistency.
4. Reintroduce seared chicken to skillet. Warm for 2 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches safe cooking point.
5. Gently fold fresh spinach into mixture, allowing leaves to wilt quickly – approximately 1 minute. Leaves should turn vibrant green and slightly soft without losing structural integrity.
6. Remove skillet from heat. Let dish rest momentarily to allow flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken before serving.

Notes

• Customize chicken seasoning with Italian herbs, garlic powder, or your favorite spice blend for extra flavor depth.
• Ensure chicken is fully browned to develop rich, caramelized exterior and lock in juicy tenderness.
• Use dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance sauce complexity and deglaze pan effectively.
• Substitute whole wheat penne for added fiber or gluten-free pasta for dietary restrictions without compromising dish texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 295 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg