Cook pasta: Boil water in a large saucepan/pot, season the water with salt and add pasta, drizzle some oil and cook according to the package instruction. 

In a bowl, add the stripped chicken and season with thyme, knorr, salt, and pepper. Combine and set aside.

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add about 2 tablespoons of butter/oil, add the chicken (single layer) and cook both sides, allow the chicken to brown before flipping to cook the other side. Remove and set aside.

Add minced garlic and onion and saute until the onion is soft.

Add the tomato paste, red crush pepper, and stir.

Add the broth/water and bring to a boil.

Add the chicken.

Add the spinach.

Add the pasta and combine. Check the seasoning and readjust if necessary. Immediately turn off the heat.

Add the diced tomatoes and cheese if you're using.

Serve and enjoy!