Sometimes I crave noodles. I usually opt for noodles of the Asian variety, but when I saw that sun-dried tomatoes were on sale, I decided to go in an Italian direction for a change.
As far as pasta dishes go, this one is healthy. There’s no cheese, no creamy sauce, and no butter. But there’s plenty of sweet, spicy, nutty flavor thanks to the sun-dried tomatoes, crushed red pepper, and pine nuts. If you aren’t in the mood for chicken, this recipe works well with shrimp instead. Peel and devein your shrimp and chop them into pieces if they are large.
Pine nuts and extra virgin olive oil are in the category of fats known as MUFAs or monounsaturated fatty acids. MUFAs are the plant-based, “good” fats that we should be eating. This pasta recipe features both.
If you’re more in the mood for Asian noodles, check out the following recipes:
Recipe Card
Angel Hair Pasta with Chicken, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Pine Nuts
Pasta featuring flavorful sun-dried tomatoes and healthy fats in the form of olive oil and pine nuts. No sauce required.
Servings:4 servings
Ingredients
- 3 ounces dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes
- 4 ounces whole grain angel hair pasta
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 8 ounces chicken breast cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- Kosher salt
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup pine nuts toasted
Instructions
- Chop tomatoes (I use scissors) and place in small bowl. Cover with hot water and let sit while you proceed with recipe (at least 10 minutes).
- Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente, but don't add any salt or oil. Drain.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, garlic, and crushed red pepper. Season with kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2 minutes.
- Drain tomatoes, reserving 1/2 cup of the soaking liquid. Add the tomatoes and liquid to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes or until chicken is done.
- Add pasta, basil, and pine nuts to skillet and toss well. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
If you want to use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, you won't need to soak them. Substitute the oil from the jar for the extra virgin olive oil.
Shrimp, peeled and deveined, works equally well in this recipe in lieu of the chicken.
Nutrition Info Per Serving
Nutrition Facts
Angel Hair Pasta with Chicken, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Pine Nuts
Amount Per Serving (0 g)
Calories 393
Calories from Fat 180
% Daily Value*
Fat 20g31%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Trans Fat 0g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Monounsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 32mg11%
Sodium 550mg24%
Potassium 0mg0%
Carbohydrates 35g12%
Fiber 6g25%
Sugar 10g11%
Protein 22g44%
Vitamin A 0IU0%
Vitamin C 0mg0%
Calcium 0mg0%
Iron 0mg0%
Net carbs 29g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Looks delicious! I will give it a try.