Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces whole wheat penne pasta (or your favorite shape)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced (substitute with firm tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, or use nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes, stirring frequently so the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 4-5 minutes, until they begin to soften and release their juices.
- Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the oregano and red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring it into the sauce. Then add the fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to wilt gently in the warm sauce.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the skillet contents. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, if using. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves for that extra touch of color and aroma.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
