Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Sun-dried tomato pasta is a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will enjoy. It has sun-dried tomatoes, chicken, spinach, and a creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tsp.kosher salt, divided, plus more for pasta water
- 1jar julienned sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil
- 1 lb.boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ¾ tsp.ground black pepper, divided
- ½ mediumyellow onion, finely chopped
- 1can tomato paste
- 3 clovesgarlic, chopped
- 1 tsp.lemon zest
- ¼ tsp.red pepper flakes
- 1 ½ c.chicken broth
- 1 lb.linguine
- 4 oz.cream cheese, cubed
- 1container baby spinach
- 1 c.grated parmesan, plus more for serving
Directions
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drain the sun-dried tomatoes, reserving the oil.
- 2
Slice the chicken into 1/2-inch thick slices and season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of sun-dried tomato oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, and cook until lightly golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove to a plate.
- 3
In the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat. Add the onion, remaining 1 teaspoon of salt and remaining 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until soft and lightly golden, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste, garlic, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Whisk in the chicken broth and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer and reduce the sauce by one third, about 10 minutes.
- 4
Meanwhile, cook the linguine in the boiling water according to package directions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 ½ cups of pasta water.
- 5
Stir the cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach into the tomato sauce. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the cream cheese melts into the sauce and the spinach is wilted, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat. Add the parmesan, pasta, and cooked chicken, using a pair of tongs to toss. Add about 1/2 cup of pasta water to loosen the sauce. Add more pasta water if needed, 2 tablespoons at a time, until the sauce is smooth. Serve with extra parmesan.