Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta

A Pot of Good Memories

This pasta recipe always makes me smile. I first made it for my grandson on a rainy Tuesday. He said it was the best “red pasta” he ever had. I still laugh at that.

It is a simple dish. But it feels like a warm hug in a bowl. The smells from the skillet fill your whole kitchen. Doesn’t that smell amazing?

Let’s Get Cooking

First, get your spaghetti boiling in salty water. That salt is important. It gives the noodles their own little flavor.

While that cooks, season your chicken cubes. A little salt and pepper is all you need. Then, warm up your olive oil in a big skillet. Toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and a pinch of red pepper flakes. This is where the magic starts.

The Sizzle and The Wilt

Now, add your chicken to that pretty oil. Listen to it sizzle! Cook it until it is no longer pink inside. This matters because cooking chicken fully keeps everyone safe and healthy.

Next, turn the heat down a bit. Stir in the fresh Roma tomatoes, garlic, and dried basil. After just a minute, add the whole bag of spinach. It looks like a lot, but watch it shrink down. *Fun fact: spinach wilts down to about one-tenth of its size!*

Why Simple Food Matters

You might wonder about the sun-dried tomatoes. They are little flavor bombs. They make the whole sauce taste rich and special without much work.

This dish shows how a few good ingredients can make a great meal. You do not need a lot of fancy stuff. This matters because cooking should be fun, not hard. What is your favorite simple meal to cook?

Bringing It All Together

Your pasta should be done now. Drain it well. Then, add it right into the skillet with the chicken and spinach.

Use two spoons to toss everything together. Get that sauce on every single noodle. See how the colors mix? The red, green, and golden chicken look so happy together.

Your Turn in the Kitchen

I love to sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. It adds a salty, cheesy finish. Do you like a little or a lot of cheese on your pasta?

This meal is best served right away. It is perfect for a busy weeknight. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. Tell me, what is a recipe that always makes you think of someone you love?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Spaghetti noodles	8 ounces
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs	1 pound	cut into 1-inch cubes
Kosher salt	½ teaspoon + 1 teaspoon	divided use
Pepper	½ teaspoon
Extra virgin olive oil	3 tablespoons
Sun-dried tomatoes	¼ cup	soaked in hot water, drained, chopped
Red pepper flakes	¼ teaspoon
Roma tomatoes	4	seeded, chopped
Dried basil	1 teaspoon
Garlic	1 tablespoon	minced
Fresh spinach leaves	8 ounces
Parmesan cheese		for garnish

My Cozy Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta

This pasta always reminds me of my grandson, Leo. He calls it sunset pasta. The red tomatoes and green spinach mix together so prettily. It looks like a warm summer evening in a bowl. I love how simple it is to make. It feels fancy but comes together in no time. Let’s make some happy memories in the kitchen together.

• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner, Pasta

Step 1

First, let’s get our spaghetti ready. Boil a big pot of water and add a good sprinkle of salt. It should taste like the sea. Cook the noodles until they are just tender. I still laugh at how my husband used to call this al dente. It just means they have a little bite left. Drain the water and set your pasta aside for its big moment later.

Step 2

Now, for our chicken. Cut it into little bite-sized cubes. A little salt and pepper makes all the difference. In your big skillet, pour in that lovely olive oil. Toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Doesn’t that smell amazing? Once the oil is warm, add your chicken. Cook it until it’s not pink inside anymore. (A hard-learned tip: Don’t crowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of getting a nice color!).

Step 3

Turn the heat down a bit. It’s time for the fresh stuff! Stir in your chopped Roma tomatoes, dried basil, and that wonderful minced garlic. Let them all get to know each other for about a minute. The kitchen will smell like an Italian garden. I love that smell. It makes the whole house feel cozy and warm.

Step 4

Next, add the whole bag of fresh spinach. It looks like a mountain at first, doesn’t it? But watch the magic. As you stir, it wilts down into a soft, green blanket. This part always feels a little bit like a science experiment to me. It’s so fun to see it shrink. What’s your favorite green vegetable to cook with? Share below!

Step 5

The grand finale! Add your cooked spaghetti right into the skillet. Use two spoons to toss everything together. Make sure every single noodle gets coated in that delicious, creamy-looking sauce. See how the colors mix? Serve it up right away while it’s hot. I promise, it’s pure comfort in a bowl.

Let’s Mix It Up!

Recipes are like stories. You can tell them a little differently each time. Here are some fun twists on our sunset pasta. I think trying new things keeps cooking exciting. My neighbor gave me the idea for the veggie version. It’s become a favorite for meatless Mondays.

• Veggie Lover’s Dream: Skip the chicken. Add sliced mushrooms and zucchini with the tomatoes.
• Extra Zingy: Love a kick? Double the red pepper flakes for a spicy surprise.
• Super Creamy: Stir in a big spoonful of cream cheese at the very end. It makes it so rich.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving Your Masterpiece

Now, let’s talk about the finishing touches. I love to serve this pasta in my big, wide bowls. It just feels more special that way. A little extra grated Parmesan cheese on top is a must for me. It adds a salty, cheesy finish. A side of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce. You don’t want to waste a single drop.

For a drink, a chilled glass of lemonade is just right. It cuts through the richness so nicely. For the grown-ups, a simple glass of Chianti wine pairs beautifully. It tastes like a little vacation in Italy. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Pasta Perfect for Later

This pasta makes wonderful leftovers for a busy week. Let it cool completely first. Then store it in a sealed container in the fridge. It will stay good for up to three days.

You can also freeze it for a future meal. Portion it into freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out all the air before sealing. It will keep for about two months this way.

I remember my first time freezing this dish. I was so happy to find it later. It was like a gift from my past self. Batch cooking saves you on tired days.

To reheat, warm it in a skillet with a splash of water. This keeps the pasta from drying out. Stir it gently over medium heat until hot. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Kitchen Hiccups

Is your pasta too sticky? Make sure you use a big pot of water. Add a good sprinkle of salt to the boiling water. This gives the noodles room to move and flavor.

Does your chicken look pale? Do not crowd the skillet. I once put too much in the pan. The chicken steamed instead of getting a nice color. Cooking in batches fixes this.

Is the spinach not wilting? Just keep stirring. The heat and moisture will wilt it down. This step matters for a silky sauce. A good sauce makes the whole dish feel special. Getting these small things right builds your cooking confidence. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Pasta Questions Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?

A: Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti noodles. They work perfectly in this recipe.

Q: Can I make it ahead?

A: You can chop the chicken and veggies ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge until you cook.

Q: What if I do not have sun-dried tomatoes?

A: A tablespoon of tomato paste is a good swap. It adds a rich, deep flavor. Fun fact: Tomato paste is just cooked-down tomatoes!

Q: Can I double the recipe?

A: Absolutely. Use your biggest pot and skillet. It is great for feeding a crowd.

Q: Any optional add-ins?

A: A splash of cream at the end makes it extra creamy. Which tip will you try first?

Sharing the Joy of a Good Meal

I hope this recipe brings warmth to your table. It is a simple, happy meal. Cooking for others is a way to show you care.

I would love to see your creation. Your photos inspire me and other readers. Sharing our kitchen stories connects us all. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking!

—Olivia Hartwell.