Tomato Spinach Chicken Spaghetti
A comforting, creamy tomato-based spaghetti with tender chicken, fresh spinach, garlic, and herbs. Balanced, flavorful, and easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Yield
4 servings
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
- Salt for pasta water
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts (or 3 cups cooked shredded chicken)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
Sauce Base
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14–15 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
Vegetables & Flavor
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Creamy Option (Optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream OR
- 1/3 cup cream cheese OR
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (lighter version)
Finishing
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil
- Lemon zest (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook spaghetti until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken 4–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Remove and slice or shred.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
- In the same pan, add olive oil.
- Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic and cook 30–60 seconds.
Step 4: Add Tomato Base
- Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes.
- Add oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
- Simmer 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Make It Creamy (Optional)
Add one of the following:
- Heavy cream OR
- Cream cheese OR
- Coconut milk
Stir until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Add Chicken and Spinach
- Return chicken to the pan.
- Add spinach and stir until wilted (2–3 minutes).
Step 7: Combine Pasta
- Add cooked spaghetti to sauce.
- Toss well to coat.
- Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.
Step 8: Finish and Serve
Top with:
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh herbs
- Lemon zest (optional)
Serve hot.
Variations
Low-Carb Version
Replace spaghetti with:
- Zucchini noodles
- Shirataki noodles
Spicy Version
Add:
- Extra chili flakes
- Hot sauce
Extra Creamy Version
Add:
- More cream cheese or Parmesan
Veggie Boost Version
Add:
- Mushrooms
- Bell peppers
- Olives
Storage
Refrigerator
- Up to 4 days
Freezer
- Up to 2 months (best without pasta mixed in)
Reheating
- Stovetop: medium heat with splash of water
- Microwave: 1–2 minutes intervals
- Add a little sauce or water to loosen
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420–550
- Protein: 30–40 g
- Carbs: 45–60 g
- Fat: 10–18 g
