Description
Fresh, wholesome, and packed with vibrant flavors, this Flavorful Tomato Spinach Chicken Spaghetti is a perfect combination of tender chicken, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and aromatic garlic tossed with al dente spaghetti. It’s a light yet satisfying dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes and is guaranteed to impress your family or guests!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cups tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cups spinach leaves
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces spaghetti pasta
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pasta:
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Save 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti. Set the pasta aside.
2. Sauté the Chicken:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the cubed chicken and season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Garlic and Tomatoes:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
4. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach:
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and spinach leaves.
- Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the flavors combine.
5. Combine Everything:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it with the tomato-spinach mixture.
- Add the drained spaghetti and toss everything together. Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water a little at a time until a silky sauce forms, coating the pasta evenly.
6. Adjust and Serve:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or red pepper flakes as needed.
- Serve the spaghetti hot, garnished with fresh basil for extra flavor.
Notes
- Customizations: Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a dollop of cream for extra richness.
- Make it Vegetarian: Replace chicken with mushrooms, tofu, or chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes for your preferred spice level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired