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Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Ashley Manila
Winner winner, chicken (and pasta) dinner: this sun-dried tomato pasta is sure to elevate your next pasta night... and earn you a standing ovation! Featuring a creamy sauce packed with flavor thanks to minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Chicken breast and spinach round out the sauce and make it a hearty meal the whole family will love.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
 

  • 3/4 pound (340g) pasta suggested: farfalle or penne
  • 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
  • 1 pound (454g) boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
  • salt and pepper as needed
  • 2 Tablespoons (28ml) olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes more to taste
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 Tablespoons (42g) tomato paste
  • 1 cup (227ml) chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup (113ml) dry white wine
  • 1 and 1/2 cups (340ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese freshly and finely grated
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
  • 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
  • 3 heaping cups baby spinach leaves

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil so it’s ready for the pasta.  
  • Melt the butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. While the pan heats up, place the chicken in a large bowl and toss with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
  • Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden on all sides, about 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a clean plate and set aside until needed.
  • In the same skillet, add olive oil, crushed red pepper, and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions have softened, about 5 minutes. 
  • Stir in the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  • Add in the tomato paste, chicken broth, and white wine and, using a wooden spoon, mix thoroughly, breaking up the tomato paste until a smooth sauce has formed. 
  • Add a teaspoon of salt into the boiling water, then add the pasta. Cook until just al dente, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain well, reserving 1 and 1/2 cups of the pasta water.
  • Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, basil, and brown sugar, and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 more minutes. Stir in the spinach and cook just until wilted, about 2 minutes. 
  • Add the chicken and pasta to the skillet and stir well to coat. Cook for another minute or two, or until the noodles are nicely coated in the sauce and the chicken has had a chance to heat up.
  • Slowly drizzle in the reserved pasta water, stirring as you add it. Continue adding water, a little bit at a time, until you've reached your desired sauce consistency. More water = more sauce. Less water = dried sauce.
    How to make sun-dried tomato pasta
  • Remove from heat. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Scoop into bowls and serve at once! 
Keyword pasta, tomato, italian, pasta recipes, sun-dried tomato, chicken
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