Tender chicken pieces and baby spinach tossed in a creamy tomato sauce make this chicken and spinach rosa pasta a reliable choice for a busy weeknight dinner. The acidity of the passata balances the richness of the thickened cream, while kalamata olives provide a briny bite that cuts through the mellow, velvety coating on the penne.
The base of sautéed onion, garlic, and chilli flakes creates a fragrant foundation that develops as it simmers with the chicken. Because the pasta is finished in the pan with a splash of its own cooking water, the sauce clings to every ridge of the noodles, ensuring a cohesive and satisfying consistency in every forkful.
Fresh basil leaves and a generous dusting of parmesan cheese provide a bright, sharp finish to this hearty meal. Whether you are repurposing leftover seasoned chicken or starting with fresh tenderloins, the process is straightforward, efficient, and results in a balanced bowl that leans on pantry staples for a reliable dinner outcome.
Read Full StoryIf you enjoy the combination of greens and poultry as much as we do, you might want to try a creamy avocado pasta topped with pan-fried chicken for a vibrant alternative. For those who appreciate the classic comfort of a rich sauce, our chicken spinach Negresco recipe provides a deeper, more indulgent variation on the same flavor profile.
Key Ingredients
- Penne pasta: The foundation of the dish, providing the base for the rich cream and tomato sauce.
- Chicken tenderloins: The primary protein, cubed and browned to soak up the savory rosa sauce.
- Tomato passata: Creates the vibrant tomato base that gives this pasta its signature rosa color.
- Thickened cream: Blends with the tomato passata to form a silky, luxurious rosa sauce.
- Baby spinach: Wilted into the final sauce to provide fresh color and texture.
- Kalamata olives: Adds a distinct salty, briny depth that cuts through the creamy sauce.
- Chilli flakes: Provides a subtle heat that balances the richness of the cream and butter.
More Chicken and Pasta Favorites
- Mie Kangkung chicken noodle soup is an excellent choice if you love the earthy taste of spinach but want to explore it in a savory, broth-based dish.
- Creamy mushroom pasta with chicken schnitzel elevates your dinner rotation with crispy textures that contrast perfectly against silky, sauce-coated noodles.
- Spicy peri peri rice and chicken offers a bold, heat-forward option for when you want to keep the chicken as the star but swap out the pasta for a hearty grain side.
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