Cherry Tomato Chicken with Creamy Spinach Sauce and Pasta Shells

Published 4 months ago

This creamy chicken recipe brings together naturally sweet cherry tomatoes, vibrant spinach, and savoury Parmesan, all tossed with tender conchiglie pasta cooked separately for the perfect bite. Thanks to Elmlea cream, it stays light yet indulgent, and with plenty of lean protein, it's a balanced meal that comes together in under 40 minutes. Ideal for a wholesome family dinner or healthy meal prep, this dish delivers on flavour and nutrition without fuss.

Cherry Tomato Chicken with Creamy Spinach Sauce and Pasta Shells
category High-Protein
meal type Dinner
difficulty Easy
Preparation in 10 minutes
Cooks in 30 minutes
Serves 6

Nutrition

  • Calories 646kcal 160kcal
  • Fat 22.2g 5.5g
  • Carbs 60.2g 15.0g
  • Proteins 49.3g 12.3g
  • Fibre 5.4g 1.3g

Ingredients

Spoon measurements may change based on how you scoop the ingredients.

For the most accurate results and nutrition info, it’s best to use grams.

tsp = teaspoon
tbsp = tablespoon

Method

Why I Like this Recipe

This recipe brings together a creamy sauce, light ingredients, and high-protein chicken. Cooking the conchiglie separately keeps the pasta firm. It’s easy to prepare ahead, full of vegetables, and gives you comfort food flavour without the guilt.

Tips and Variations

    • Serve the chicken and sauce on top of the pasta rather than mixing them to keep the conchiglie firm.
    • Use light cheddar or nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a lighter option.
    • Use wholewheat conchiglie for added fibre.
    • Add chilli flakes for a spicy kick without additional calories.
    • Stir in chickpeas or lentils for a vegetarian protein alternative.
    • Make it dairy-free by using coconut cream and vegan Parmesan.
    • Replace chicken breasts with boneless thighs for more flavour.
    • This recipe is suitable for meal prep; store pasta and sauce separately for best results.

Meal Storage

Keep the pasta and sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, warm each part gently and add a splash of water to the sauce if it’s too thick. Mix them together just before serving for the best texture.

Freezer tips

Freeze just the chicken sauce, not the pasta, for up to three months. Make sure it cools completely before freezing.

Let the sauce thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat it until it’s piping hot. Cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Question

Yes, but keeping them separate keeps the conchiglie firm.
No, you can use double cream or light cream instead.
Perfectly! Add it near the end so it softens gently.
Yes, you can. Store pasta and sauce separately for the best texture.
Conchiglie is ideal because it holds the creamy sauce inside each shell.
Use light cream, reduced-fat cheese, and whole-wheat pasta.

Closing Note

This creamy, protein-rich chicken sauce with conchiglie makes quick, healthy dinners or meal-prep lunches easy and satisfying.

  • 💪 High Protein
  • 🌓 Partially Freezer Friendly

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