Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Chicken and Spinach
A rich and comforting Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a creamy tomato-basil sauce. This one-pan meal is ready in under 30 minutes and is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta or your favorite short pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil divided
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 can crushed tomatoes 14.5 oz can
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- 0.5 tsp black pepper or to taste
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach loosely packed
- 0.5 cup fresh basil chopped, plus more for garnish
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated, plus more for serving
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Make-Ahead: The sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.
Substitutions: For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. To make it vegetarian, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Serving Suggestion: Pair with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.