Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
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.
Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Similar Recipes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/9444412-7e898ac57d584bcf9cbfba577a75d7dc.jpg)
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 1 rating
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that's on the table in about 45 minutes? This Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta delivers a vibrant, creamy meal perfect for even the busiest weeknights, and it's a guaranteed hit with the whole family.
This recipe works wonders because it leverages the intense, concentrated flavor of sun-dried tomatoes, pairing it with savory chicken, fresh spinach, and a luxurious creamy sauce. It transforms simple ingredients into a rich, satisfying main dish that feels both elevated and incredibly easy, making it a stellar example of weeknight comfort food.
Prepare for a delightful experience with this Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta. You'll find the pasta coated in a savory, slightly tangy sauce brightened by lemon zest and a hint of red pepper flakes for balance. The tender chicken provides a hearty bite, while the fresh spinach wilts into the creamy base, adding color and a touch of earthiness. It’s a wonderfully balanced dish that appeals to a wide range of palates, making it an excellent choice for children and adults alike.
To make this Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta your own, feel free to adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the red pepper flakes. For a different texture, you can swap the linguine for another long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine. While the recipe calls for chicken breasts, you could also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor profile if preferred.
Serve this delightful Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta as a complete main dish for a cozy family dinner or a relaxed gathering. A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese just before serving is highly recommended to enhance its savory depth.