Chicken Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Spinach

Ingredients

• Whole wheat pasta 2 cups cooked
• Chicken breast 5 oz
• Tomato sauce 1 cup
• Spinach 1 cup
• Olive oil 1 tbsp
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Garlic 1 clove

Method

1. Prepare Ingredients. Start by washing the spinach thoroughly under cold water. Pat it dry with a clean towel. Mince the garlic clove finely if using. Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
   Tip: Dry spinach well to avoid extra water in the sauce.
2. Cook the Pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
   Tip: Reserve a small cup of pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency later if needed.
3. Cook the Chicken. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
   Tip: Ensure chicken pieces are similar in size for even cooking.
4. Add Garlic and Tomato Sauce. Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the tomato sauce and stir well. Let it simmer gently for 3-5 minutes to blend the flavors.
   Tip: Avoid burning garlic by stirring continuously.
5. Add Spinach. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Stir until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it.
   Tip: Wilt spinach just until soft to keep its bright color and nutrients.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together gently to coat the pasta with the sauce evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat through.
   Tip: Use tongs or a large spoon to mix gently without breaking the pasta.
7. Serve. Divide the chicken pasta with tomato sauce and spinach onto plates. Optionally, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil.
   Tip: Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Pro tips

• Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid mushy texture when mixed with sauce.
• Use fresh spinach for better flavor and nutrition; frozen spinach can be used but squeeze out excess water.