Chicken and Spinach Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A light and flavorful pasta dish with herb-seasoned chicken, fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and a touch of feta cheese. This mediterranean-inspired pasta (mediterranean) ready in about 35 minutes pairs chicken breast, chopped spinach, halved cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 200g whole wheat pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 400g chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes, and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 2 cups chopped spinach and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften.
  4. Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in 1 tsp dried oregano and 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese. Cook for 2 minutes until the cheese melts slightly. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chicken and Spinach Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Chicken and Spinach Pasta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chicken and Spinach Pasta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chicken and Spinach Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Chicken and Spinach Pasta?

Mediterranean pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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