Best 9 Lighter Chicken Spinach Tomato Penne Pasta Recipes

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"Lighter chicken spinach tomato penne pasta" - a delectable and healthy twist on the classic pasta dish, is a delightful meal that offers a symphony of flavors and textures, while still maintaining a lighter touch. With its vibrant combination of juicy chicken, tender spinach, tangy tomatoes, and succulent penne pasta, this recipe promises a culinary journey that satisfies both your taste buds and your health-conscious desires. So, let's embark on a delightful adventure as we explore this irresistible recipe, ensuring a lighter and healthier version of your favorite pasta dish.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

LIGHTER CHICKEN SPINACH & TOMATO PENNE PASTA



Lighter Chicken Spinach & Tomato Penne Pasta image

I put this recipe together one day and really loved it! I used skim milk, whole wheat penne pasta, and Smart Balance 50/50 butter blend to make it a little healthier yet still creamy and satisfying! Next time I might add some mushrooms to add some more flavor. Special note: I prepared all of the penne but ended up leaving about two servings out because I like a more saucy pasta.

Provided by Jami Robin

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 20m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 (13 1/4 ounce) package whole wheat penne
1 -2 boneless chicken breast
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can Italian-style diced tomatoes
2 cups Baby Spinach
1/4 cup Smart Balance Omega Plus
2 garlic cloves, minced (more or less according to taste)
1 cup skim milk
2 tablespoons flour, divided
1/3 cup parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Prepare pasta according to package directions while preparing the sauce.
  • Cut chicken up into cubes and set aside.
  • Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add garlic and chicken to the skillet and saute until chicken is cooked through.
  • Add tomatoes to skillet (do not drain) and simmer.
  • Add flour one tablespoon at a time to milk and mix until smooth with a fork or small whisk.
  • Pour milk/flour mixture into the skillet and allow to simmer until thickened. If sauce is too thick, add a little more milk at a time until you reach desired consistency.
  • Add baby spinach to sauce and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
  • Add parmesan cheese to sauce.
  • Add cooked pasta to the sauce and mix.
  • Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 388.9, Fat 11.2, SaturatedFat 3.7, Cholesterol 21.2, Sodium 354.1, Carbohydrate 56.7, Fiber 6.5, Sugar 2.7, Protein 19.2

TOMATO SPINACH CHICKEN PASTA



Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta image

This tremendously delicious Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta is definitely a winner. It's quick and easy to make, incredibly rich in flavors, and can be on your table in about 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners!

Provided by Joanna Cismaru

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 11

12 ounces penne pasta (rotini, or other small shaped pasta)
⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, drained oil reserved)
3 tablespoons olive oil (drained from sun dried tomatoes)
1 pound chicken (boneless and skinless, cut into small cubes)
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
6 medium tomatoes (chopped)
6 cloves garlic (minced)
10 ounces spinach (fresh)
1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

Steps:

  • Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta al dente, according to package instructions.
  • Cook the chicken: In the meantime, add the sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, chicken pieces, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes to a large skillet, and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink.
  • Finish cooking: Add the chopped tomatoes, garlic, and spinach to the skillet and cook for another 3 minutes or until the spinach wilts a little.
  • Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with ½ cup of the Parmesan cheese and toss everything together well.
  • Finish and serve: Drizzle some good olive oil over the pasta and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 serving, Calories 473 kcal, Carbohydrate 54 g, Protein 24 g, Fat 18 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 39 mg, Sodium 549 mg, Fiber 6 g, Sugar 8 g, UnsaturatedFat 12 g

TOMATO CHICKEN PENNE



Tomato Chicken Penne image

"I love how fast this creamy dish is to prepare," says Glencoe, Minnesota's Cynthia Ettel. "My whole family enjoys it. Substitute shrimp, sausage or even sliced pepperoni for the chicken."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 25m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

2-1/2 cups uncooked penne pasta
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine or chicken broth
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes with roasted garlic, undrained
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 can (4-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
1 can (4 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces, drained

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute onion in oil until tender. Stir in wine or broth; cook for 1 minute. Drain pasta and add to the skillet. Add the remaining ingredients. Cook and stir over medium heat until heated through and slightly thickened.

Nutrition Facts :

CHICKEN, SPINACH, AND CHEESE PASTA BAKE



Chicken, Spinach, and Cheese Pasta Bake image

Pasta, chicken, spinach, and cheese baked to bubbly perfection.

Provided by jr911

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h15m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (8 ounce) package penne pasta
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 (14 ounce) can Italian-style diced tomatoes
1 (10 ounce) package spinach
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Saute onion in hot oil until tender, 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Mix penne pasta, onion, chicken, diced tomatoes, spinach, and cream cheese together in a baking dish until the cream cheese melts and coats everything. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the pasta mixture. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until heated through and beginning to brown along the edges, about 15 minutes more.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 544.2 calories, Carbohydrate 53.2 g, Cholesterol 85.3 mg, Fat 21.7 g, Fiber 6.4 g, Protein 34.2 g, SaturatedFat 10.2 g, Sodium 331.9 mg, Sugar 3.2 g

REDUCED-FAT CHICKEN, SPINACH & TOMATO PASTA



Reduced-Fat Chicken, Spinach & Tomato Pasta image

I wanted to create a summer dish with what I had on hand, I reviewed a number of recipes, either I didn't have all the ingredients or they had more fat content than I wanted. This is what I came up with and it turned out yummy for a lower fat recipe. I used pre-cooked chicken for speed, you can use diced fresh chicken, be sure to cook throughly before adding tomato and spinach. I recommend using Herb Ox sodium free instant chicken broth. I Hope you like this dish too!

Provided by Wind Junki 827437

Categories     Chicken Breast

Time 35m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 cups cooked chicken breasts, diced
1 cup fat free sodium free chicken broth
1 cup sweet onion, finely chopped
1 cup mushroom, chopped
1 tablespoon garlic, finely chopped
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup fresh tomato, chopped
3 bunches fresh spinach, washed and chopped
1/2 cup reduced-fat feta cheese, crumbled
3/4 cup parmesan cheese or 3/4 cup romano cheese, shredded
1 cup light sour cream
fresh ground black pepper
12 ounces penne pasta or 12 ounces fettuccine pasta

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and store to the side. Spray with hot water before serving, if needed, to loosen pasta.
  • Add 2-3 Tbsp of chicken broth to heated pan, add onion, mushrooms, garlic and nutmeg. Saute on mid high heat until onion is soft and mushrooms cooked, add more broth if needed to prevent sticking.
  • When onions and mushrooms are cooked, add chicken and remainder of chicken broth, cook until broth is almost completely reduced, leaving barely enough liquid to allow spinach to steam.
  • Add chopped tomatos to the top of chicken mixture, then layer the chopped spinach, cover and cook until spinach is steamed.
  • Add the cheeses & stir, then remove from heat.
  • Add the sour cream and mix well.
  • Salt and Pepper to taste.
  • Pour over cooked Pasta and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 693, Fat 19.9, SaturatedFat 9, Cholesterol 95.4, Sodium 585.9, Carbohydrate 89, Fiber 16.4, Sugar 4.6, Protein 45.2

ONE-POT SPINACH CHICKEN PASTA RECIPE BY TASTY



One-pot Spinach Chicken Pasta Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: olive oil, salt, penne pasta, garlic, chicken breasts, pepper, crushed tomato, red chili flakes, heavy cream, spinach, parmesan cheese, parmesan cheese

Provided by Adam Bianchi

Categories     Dinner

Yield 3 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons salt, divided
1 lb penne pasta
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 chicken breasts, cubed
1 tablespoon pepper
28 oz crushed tomato, 1 can
½ teaspoon red chili flakes
½ cup heavy cream
5 oz spinach
½ cup parmesan cheese
parmesan cheese, to taste

Steps:

  • Boil water in a large pot over high heat.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of salt to water and add pasta. Cook pasta until almost al dente, or for 1-2 minutes less than the recommended cook time. Drain.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot on medium heat. Add chicken, salt, and pepper. Brown chicken, making sure to cook through. Set chicken aside.
  • Add 2 tablespoon olive oil, garlic, and red chili flakes into the pot and stir.
  • Add crushed tomatoes, stirring for a few minutes.
  • Add cream, stirring until incorporated.
  • Add spinach and stir until the spinach cooks down and incorporates.
  • Add chicken, pasta, and parmesan, stirring until pasta is evenly coated.
  • Garnish with more parmesan cheese and serve!
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1183 calories, Carbohydrate 136 grams, Fat 46 grams, Fiber 11 grams, Protein 63 grams, Sugar 17 grams

SPINACH AND GRILLED CHICKEN PENNE



Spinach and Grilled Chicken Penne image

Spinach and Grilled Chicken Penne Pasta.

Provided by Regina

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Chicken

Time 42m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon salt, or more to taste
1 tablespoon ground black pepper, or more to taste
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1 (14.6 ounce) package penne pasta
5 cups fresh spinach, or more to taste
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes

Steps:

  • Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate. Spread butter, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 tablespoon pepper, and garlic powder over chicken breasts on a plate or cutting board.
  • Grill the chicken breasts until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, 5 to 6 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Pour penne into a colander to drain.
  • Place the penne, chicken breasts, spinach, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes in the pot. Cook and stir over low heat until the spinach is wilted but still green, about 7 minutes. Season with the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
  • Mix pasta into spinach-chicken mixture; toss well.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 630.2 calories, Carbohydrate 80.4 g, Cholesterol 89.8 mg, Fat 14.3 g, Fiber 5.5 g, Protein 46.8 g, SaturatedFat 6.7 g, Sodium 2163.4 mg, Sugar 4.5 g

SPINACH-FETA CHICKEN PENNE



Spinach-Feta Chicken Penne image

I wanted a light sauce for pasta, so I cooked tomatoes with garlic, wine and olive oil. It's a blockbuster combo for seafood, too. -Geralyn Sipos, Blandon, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 package (12 ounces) whole wheat penne pasta
1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/4-in.-thick strips
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup dry white wine or additional broth
6 plum tomatoes, chopped
2 cups fresh baby spinach
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Steps:

  • In a 6-qt. stockpot, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain; return to pot., Meanwhile, toss chicken with 2 tablespoons oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper. In a large skillet, cook and stir chicken, half at a time, over medium-high heat 3-5 minutes or until no longer pink; remove from pan., In same skillet, heat remaining oil over medium heat. Add garlic; cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until tender. Add broth and wine. Bring to a boil, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan; cook 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and remaining salt; cook until tomatoes are softened. Stir in spinach until wilted., Add chicken and tomato mixture to pasta; heat through, tossing to combine. Serve with cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 455 calories, Fat 13g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 70mg cholesterol, Sodium 552mg sodium, Carbohydrate 46g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 8g fiber), Protein 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

CREAMY CHICKEN PENNE PASTA RECIPE BY TASTY



Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: bacon, chicken breasts, salt, pepper, italian seasoning, paprika, garlic, spinach, small tomatoes, cream, shredded parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, penne pasta, Chopped fresh parsley

Provided by Tasty

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

4 slices bacon
2 chicken breasts, sliced
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups spinach
4 small tomatoes, diced
1 ½ cups cream
1 cup shredded parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, plus more for garnish
10 oz penne pasta, cooked until al dente
3 tablespoons Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Steps:

  • In a deep skillet, fry the bacon until crispy. Remove to a paper towel to drain, then chop.
  • In the same skillet, add the chicken and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Cook until no longer pink inside.
  • Add the garlic and cook until softened.
  • Add spinach and tomatoes and cook until the spinach is wilted.
  • Add the cream, Parmesan, an red pepper flakes and bring to a boil.
  • Add the penne and bacon, and stir until fully coated in sauce.
  • Serve with parsley, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes, if desired.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 725 calories, Carbohydrate 61 grams, Fat 36 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 44 grams, Sugar 7 grams

Tips:

  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices will give your pasta dish the best flavor.
  • Cook the pasta al dente: This means cooking it until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan: When cooking the pasta, make sure to use a large enough pot so that the pasta has plenty of room to move around.
  • Season the pasta water: Add a generous amount of salt to the pasta water before cooking the pasta. This will help to flavor the pasta.
  • Use a good quality olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is the best choice for this dish.
  • Don't overcook the chicken: Cook the chicken until it is cooked through but still tender.
  • Add the spinach at the end: Spinach cooks very quickly, so add it to the pasta dish just before serving.
  • Garnish with Parmesan cheese and basil: Grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves are the perfect finishing touches for this dish.

Conclusion:

This chicken spinach tomato penne pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It is packed with flavor and nutrients, and it is sure to please the whole family. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy pasta dish, give this one a try.

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