🌿 Tomato Spinach Chicken Spaghetti (Mediterranean Style)
⭐ Description
Juicy chicken, tender spaghetti, ripe tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and fresh spinach come together in a light Mediterranean sauce that’s vibrant, nourishing, and perfect for an easy family dinner.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
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12 oz (340 g) spaghetti (whole wheat optional)
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2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
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1 lb (450 g) boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
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1 tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp paprika
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Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1 can diced tomatoes, drained)
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¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced (optional but recommended)
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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3 cups fresh baby spinach
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¼ cup pasta cooking water (as needed)
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Spaghetti
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions.
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Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2️⃣ Cook the Chicken
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Season chicken with oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Sauté for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
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Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Tomato Sauce
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In the same skillet, add onion and sauté 2–3 minutes until soft.
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Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Stir in cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes.
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Cook 4–5 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
4️⃣ Add Spinach & Combine
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Add spinach to the skillet and cook until just wilted.
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Return chicken to the pan.
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Add cooked spaghetti and a splash of pasta water.
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Toss well until everything is coated and glossy.
5️⃣ Finish & Serve
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Remove from heat.
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Stir in Parmesan and fresh herbs.
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Taste and adjust seasoning.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
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Serve with Mediterranean cucumber salad
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Add warm garlic flatbread or whole-grain bread
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Finish with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil
🌟 Variations
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Creamy version: Add ¼ cup Greek yogurt or light cream
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Low-carb: Use zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta
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Extra veggies: Add mushrooms, olives, or artichoke hearts
