One-Pan Tomato & Spinach Chicken Pasta
One-Pan Tomato & Spinach Chicken Pasta
When you’re short on time but still want a comforting, homemade meal, One-Pan Tomato & Spinach Chicken Pasta is the perfect solution. This simple yet flavorful dish brings together tender chicken, hearty pasta, savory tomatoes, and fresh spinach all cooked in one skillet for easy cleanup. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights, small families, or anyone craving a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The rich tomato broth creates a cozy, Italian-inspired flavor while keeping everything light and balanced. If you enjoy easy but impressive chicken dinners, you’ll also love Grilled Chicken Skewers and Brie Stuffed Chicken Breast.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Chicken Pasta
This recipe is designed for convenience, flavor, and comfort. Cooking everything in one pan allows the pasta to absorb the sauce as it cooks, resulting in a deeply flavorful dish without extra steps. The combination of lean protein, pasta, and vegetables makes it a complete meal, while the simple ingredient list keeps it budget-friendly and approachable.
What Makes This a One-Pan Meal?
Unlike traditional pasta recipes that require boiling pasta separately, this dish allows the pasta to cook directly in the sauce. This method saves time, reduces dishes, and enhances flavor as the pasta absorbs the seasoned broth and tomato juices. It’s an efficient cooking technique that’s perfect for home cooks who want maximum taste with minimal effort.
Ingredients Explained (Why Each One Is Important)
Chicken
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean, cook quickly, and absorb flavor well. Cutting them into bite-sized pieces ensures even cooking and tender results. Chicken thighs can also be used for a juicier texture.
Olive Oil
- Used to brown the chicken and sauté the onion, olive oil adds richness and helps build flavor at the base of the dish.
Onion
- Chopped onion adds natural sweetness and depth, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.
Chicken Broth
- Chicken broth forms the foundation of the sauce, adding savory depth and enhancing the overall flavor of the pasta.
Diced Tomatoes with Herbs
- Canned diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano provide convenience and bold Italian flavor without extra seasoning steps.
Penne Pasta
- Penne is ideal for one-pan pasta dishes because it holds up well during simmering and traps sauce inside each piece.
Water
- Water helps cook the pasta evenly while balancing the thickness of the sauce.
Baby Spinach
- Fresh spinach adds color, nutrients, and freshness. It wilts quickly, making it perfect for last-minute additions.
One-Pan Tomato & Spinach Chicken Pasta
Notes
- 10 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano, undrained
- 1 cup Swanson® Chicken Broth
- 4 ounces uncooked penne pasta
- ¾ cup water
- 4 cups baby spinach
- Season the chicken pieces and cook them in olive oil until lightly browned. This step locks in flavor and gives the dish a richer taste. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook the onion until tender-crisp. Deglazing the pan with chicken broth lifts all the flavorful bits left behind from the chicken.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, additional broth, uncooked penne, and water. Bringing everything to a boil allows the pasta to cook directly in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors.
- Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens naturally.
- This dish is easy to customize based on what you have on hand. You can add red pepper flakes for heat, sprinkle in Parmesan cheese for richness, or toss in mushrooms or bell peppers for extra vegetables. Switching the pasta shape or using whole-wheat pasta also works well.
- This one-pan chicken pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs nicely with garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables. For extra indulgence, top with freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. While best served fresh, you can prep the chicken and chop the vegetables ahead of time to save cooking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the pasta shape?
Yes, any short pasta like rotini, fusilli, or shells works well. Just monitor cooking time closely.
Can I skip chicken broth?
Vegetable broth or water can be used, but broth adds more depth of flavor.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Absolutely. Thaw and drain it well before adding to prevent excess liquid.
How can I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, chili oil, or a dash of hot sauce to adjust heat levels.
Conclusion
This One-Pan Tomato & Spinach Chicken Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner—simple, comforting, and packed with flavor. With tender chicken, hearty pasta, and fresh spinach all cooked in one skillet, it delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with family, this easy recipe is sure to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
