Tomato Spinach Chicken Spaghetti!

Tomato Spinach Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless), cut into bite-sized pieces

• 8 oz spaghetti (or any pasta you prefer)

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (or 3-4 fresh tomatoes, diced)

• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for a creamy version)

• 3 cups fresh spinach (packed)

• 1/2 tsp dried basil

• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the spaghetti:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency later.

2. Cook the chicken:

   • While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

   • Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and 1/2 tsp dried oregano. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).

   • Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

3. Sauté the garlic:

   • In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté 2 cloves of minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

4. Add tomatoes and seasonings:

   • Add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) into the skillet.

   • Stir in 1/2 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let this mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the sauce to thicken slightly.

5. Make it creamy (optional):

   • If you prefer a creamy pasta, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the skillet and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is creamy and smooth.

6. Add spinach and chicken:

   • Stir in the 3 cups of fresh spinach. Allow the spinach to wilt into the sauce, which should only take about 2 minutes.

   • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix everything together, letting the chicken absorb the flavors of the sauce.

7. Combine with spaghetti:

   • Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the tomato sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water (about 1-2 tbsp at a time) to reach your desired consistency.

8. Serve:

   • Divide the pasta into plates. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Q&A Section:

Q1: Can I use a different kind of pasta?
A1: Yes! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, like penne, fusilli, or linguine. Just cook it according to the package instructions.

Q2: Do I have to use heavy cream?
A2: No, it’s optional! If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can skip the cream. The dish will still be delicious with just the tomato sauce. If you want to make it dairy-free, try coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.

Q3: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
A3: Yes! Frozen spinach works fine in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the sauce.

Q4: What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
A4: You can use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder as a substitute. It won’t have the exact same flavor, but it will still work in a pinch.

Q5: What can I add to make it spicier?
A5: If you like heat, try adding red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers, or toss in some sliced fresh chili peppers. You can also use a bit of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

Q6: Can I add other vegetables?
A6: Absolutely! Feel free to add zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes. Just sauté them with the garlic before adding the tomatoes for extra flavor.

Q7: Can I use grilled chicken instead of pan-fried?
A7: Yes, grilled chicken would work great in this recipe. Just slice it up and add it to the skillet when you mix in the spinach and sauce.

Q8: How can I make this dish vegetarian?
A8: You can skip the chicken entirely and load up the dish with more veggies. You could also add tofu or chickpeas for some protein!

Tips:

• For more flavor, you can top the dish with a little extra Parmesan cheese or fresh basil before serving.

• If you like your pasta saucy, don’t be afraid to add more of the reserved pasta water until you get the consistency you like.