Savory Spinach Chicken Pasta Delight
This Savory Spinach Chicken Pasta Delight is a wholesome and comforting dish that your family will love. Bursting with flavors from tender chicken breasts seasoned with Italian herbs, sautéed onions, garlic, and vibrant bell peppers, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying. The addition of fresh baby spinach not only enhances the color but also packs in essential vitamins. It pairs wonderfully with your choice of pasta—be it rich 3-cheese tortellini or wholesome whole wheat penne—making it a versatile dish for any weeknight dinner. Perfect for meal prep, this dish tastes just as great the next day, with flavors that deepen and meld together. Your dust will be coming back for seconds!
N/A
Servings
350
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 (cut into bite-size pieces)
Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons (sprinkled on chicken)
white onion
1/2 (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
green bell pepper
1 (chopped)
chicken broth
8 ounces (none)
crushed tomatoes
29 ounces (canned)
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
dried basil
2 teaspoons (none)
fresh baby spinach
2 cups (chopped)
grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (none)
cooked pasta
enough for 6-8 servings (your choice)
Instructions
1
Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
2
Sprinkle the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and no longer pink.
3
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
4
In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and green bell pepper. Sauté for 3 minutes until they start to soften.
5
Add minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional 3 minutes until all vegetables are soft and fragrant.
6
Pour in the chicken broth, and allow it to simmer and reduce by half, approximately 5-7 minutes.
7
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, followed by salt, sugar, and dried basil. Let the mixture cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently to blend the flavors.
8
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, along with the chopped baby spinach and grated parmesan cheese. Cook for another 5 minutes until the spinach has wilted and the cheese has melted.
9
Serve warm over your choice of cooked pasta and enjoy your delicious meal!
Nutrition Information
37g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Spinach Chicken Pasta Delight?
It is a wholesome and comforting dish featuring chicken breast seasoned with Italian herbs, sautéed vegetables, baby spinach, and pasta in a savory tomato sauce.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for three boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces.
Which pasta should I use for this dish?
You can use your choice of cooked pasta; the recipe specifically suggests 3-cheese tortellini or whole wheat penne.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prep as the flavors deepen and meld together even more by the next day.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
What is the protein content of this pasta dish?
The dish provides 20g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 37g of carbohydrates per serving.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes white onion, green bell pepper, garlic cloves, and fresh baby spinach.
How should the chicken be seasoned?
The chicken should be sprinkled with 2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning before cooking.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
While the recipe calls for 2 cups of chopped fresh baby spinach, you can use frozen spinach if it is thawed and squeezed dry first.
What kind of tomatoes are used for the sauce?
The recipe uses a 29-ounce can of crushed tomatoes.
How do I cook the chicken?
Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the chicken for about 8 minutes until golden and no longer pink.
Why do I remove the chicken from the skillet during cooking?
The chicken is removed after browning to prevent it from overcooking while you sauté the vegetables and simmer the sauce.
What is the purpose of adding sugar to the sauce?
A small amount of sugar (1.125 tablespoons) is added to balance the acidity of the crushed tomatoes.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The tomato mixture should cook for about 10 minutes, and the broth should be reduced for 5-7 minutes before that.
When do I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic after sautéing the onions and peppers for 3 minutes, then cook for another 3 minutes.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese, added at the end of the cooking process.
How much chicken broth is needed?
You will need 8 ounces of chicken broth.
What are the primary herbs used for flavoring?
The primary flavors come from Italian seasoning and 2 teaspoons of dried basil.
Can I use a different color of bell pepper?
Yes, while the recipe specifies green bell pepper, red, yellow, or orange peppers would work well too.
Is this a one-pan meal?
The sauce and chicken are prepared in one large non-stick skillet, though the pasta is typically cooked separately.
How do I know when the spinach is done?
The spinach is ready once it has wilted, which takes about 5 minutes of cooking after being added to the sauce.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy dish because it uses lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and spinach.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe yields enough sauce and chicken for 6 to 8 servings of pasta.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts if preferred.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
After cooking the chicken and vegetables, the first liquid step is pouring in the chicken broth and allowing it to reduce by half.
Do I need to chop the spinach?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 2 cups of chopped fresh baby spinach.
Can I use fresh basil instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute fresh basil, but you may want to increase the amount and add it toward the end of cooking.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
You can add a small amount of extra chicken broth or a splash of the pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
How is the dish served?
Serve the chicken and spinach sauce warm over your choice of cooked pasta.