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!

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 that 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, making it a good choice for this Sun dried tomato and chicken pasta dish.

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

Baby spinach: Baby spinach is harvested 15-35 days after planting creating a smaller more tender leaf that 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 and 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, making it a popular choice in vegan or dairy-free recipes.

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

Dried oregano: Unlike it's fresh variety dried oregano is more concentrated and pungent adding a depth of flavor when added to soups and tomato sauces.

Garlic powder: Using garlic powder over minced garlic is best in this recipe as 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, adding richness and enhancing the natural flavors of foods with its versatility.

Salt and pepper: Salt enhances and balances flavors, while ground black pepper adds a gentle heat, improving the overall flavor of a dish.

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.

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

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

Add coconut cream: Slowly add coconut cream and stir till combined.

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

Add pasta: Add your cooked pasta and simmer 5 minutes.

Enjoy!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Sun dried tomatoes: Look for sun dried tomatoes that are already slivered and not in oil which saves preparation time.

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 if you prefer.

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

Storage Tips

Sun dried tomato and chicken pasta can be stored in the fridge for 4-5 days when placed in a sealed airtight glass container, and it's 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 in warm water before using them but in this recipe it is not necessary 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 and will last up to 6 months when stored this way.

Can you eat sun dried tomatoes raw?

Oil packed sun dried tomatoes can be eaten straight from the jar. Sun dried tomatoes not packed in oil have a chewier, denser texture and should be soaked first.