Pasta with Chicken, Spinach, and Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

• whole wheat pasta 1.5 cup
• grilled chicken breast 6 oz
• fresh spinach 1 cup
• marinara sauce 1/2 cup
• olive oil 1 tablespoon
• salt to taste
• black pepper to taste

Method

1. Prepare Ingredients. Make sure your whole wheat pasta is cooked according to package instructions and drained. Slice the grilled chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Wash the fresh spinach thoroughly under cold water and drain well.
   Tip: Use a colander to drain pasta and spinach well to avoid excess water in the dish.
2. Sauté Spinach. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted but still bright green. Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired.
   Tip: Sautéing spinach helps reduce its volume and enhances its flavor.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce. Add the cooked whole wheat pasta to the skillet with the sautéed spinach. Pour in 1/2 cup of marinara sauce and stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly. Heat for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is warmed through.
   Tip: Keep the heat medium to avoid drying out the sauce.
4. Add Chicken. Add the sliced grilled chicken breast to the skillet. Stir gently to mix the chicken with the pasta, spinach, and sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
   Tip: Make sure the chicken is fully warmed for safe consumption.
5. Serve. Transfer the pasta with chicken, spinach, and tomato sauce to a plate or bowl. Optionally, garnish with freshly ground black pepper or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
   Tip: Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Pro tips

• To prevent the pasta from sticking, toss it with a little olive oil after draining.
• If you want extra flavor, add minced garlic to the olive oil before sautéing the spinach.