Sun Dried Tomato and Chicken Pasta

This Sun Dried Tomato and Chicken Pasta is so hearty and flavorful and full of veggies!  I used chick pea pasta but you can use hearts of palm spaghetti to keep it Whole30.  It's super easy and the leftovers make the best lunches the next day.  My family loved this dish and I know yours will too! Love an easy pasta dish? Try this one too, Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

It's ready in 30 minutes: Making it a nutritious and hearty dinner the whole family will love.

Chickpea pasta: By using chickpea pasta you are providing your family with an incredibly nutritious legume. It is full of protein, fiber, carbs, antioxidants and numerous vitamins.

Ingredients You Will Need

Ground chicken: Ground chicken is a lean, versatile protein that helps absorb the flavors of the seasoning and sauce easily. This makes it a good choice for this Sun dried tomato and chicken pasta dish. I like Grass Roots Coop for the best regeneratively farmed meats.

Sun dried tomatoes: Sun dried tomatoes are ripe tomatoes that lose their water content after being dried in the sun. This process imparts a sweet-tart flavor.

Baby spinach: Baby spinach is harvested 15-35 days after planting creating a smaller more tender leaf. It is sweeter in flavor than mature spinach.

Coconut cream: Coconut cream is ideal for dairy-free dishes, providing a creamy texture with a taste that is very mild. It is usually hidden by other flavors. Opting for coconut cream over coconut milk creates a thicker, creamier texture.

Chicken bone broth: You have the option of using either chicken bone broth or regular chicken broth. The bone broth offers enhanced health benefits along with a richer flavor profile.

Chickpea pasta: I choose chickpea pasta, particularly Banza, for the added protein and fiber boost in my dishes.

Nutritional yeast: Different from regular yeast, nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor to dishes without the need for dairy. This makes it a popular choice in vegan or dairy-free recipes.

Dried basil: Dried basil offers convenience and potency. It is a savory herb that is usually sweet that no soup or tomato sauce should be without.

Dried oregano: Unlike its fresh variety, dried oregano is more concentrated and pungent. It adds a depth of flavor when added to soups and tomato sauces.

Garlic powder: Using garlic powder over minced garlic is best in this recipe. It easily dissipates into the sauce for a better overall texture.

Onion powder: Adds a sweet and savory flavor to certain dishes that you can’t get from fresh onions.

Extra virgin olive oil: Olive oil stands out as an excellent choice for sautéing. It adds richness and enhances the natural flavors of foods with its versatility.

Salt and pepper: The flavor of a dish is enhanced by salt, which elevates various flavor profiles. Additionally, ground black pepper adds a gentle heat.

Instructions

Cook pasta: Cook your pasta of choice according to box instructions, drain and set aside.

Meanwhile: Heat your olive oil in a large skillet.

Brown the chicken: Add your chicken to the pan and cook till no longer pink.

Pour in the chicken broth: Along with nutritional yeast, sun dried tomatoes and spices, stirring well to combine.

Now incorporate the coconut cream: Slowly add coconut cream and stir till combined.

Add spinach: Place spinach in the pan and cook till wilted.

Lastly: Add your cooked pasta and simmer 5 minutes.

Enjoy!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Sun dried tomatoes: Save some time by purchasing sun dried tomatoes that are not in oil and already cut for you.

Make it fancy: Elevate the flavors by adding some fresh basil chiffonade just before serving.

Recipe Variations

Hearts of palm "pasta": To keep this Whole30 and paleo friendly, swap hearts of palm pasta for the chickpea pasta.

Ground beef: You can easily swap ground beef for the ground chicken or even ground sausage in this dish. This choice is based on personal preference.

Allergic to coconut: If you have an allergy to coconuts, you can use cashew milk or almond milk. You can also use your milk or cream of choice.

Storage Tips

You can store this Sun dried tomato and chicken pasta in the fridge for 4-5 days when placed in a sealed airtight glass container. It is also freezer-safe for up to 6 months.

FAQs About Sun dried tomato and chicken pasta

Do you soak sun dried tomatoes before cooking?

In most cases it is a good idea to soak sun dried tomatoes in warm water before using them. You do not have to soak them in this recipe since they are cut in slivers and soften well in the sauce.

Do you have to refrigerate sun dried tomatoes after opening?

Sun dried tomatoes are best when refrigerated in a glass jar. They will last up to 6 months when stored this way.

Can you eat sun dried tomatoes raw?

You certainly can eat oil packed sun dried tomatoes straight from the jar. However, sun dried tomatoes that are not packed in oil have a chewier can have a denser texture and should be soaked first.