Happy New Year! As you may already know, I spent the holidays in Houston with my family. Unfortunately, I got really ill and came back to Austin earlier than planned. How sick? Well, this girl NEVER takes medicine, but this time, I was begging for more. I also lost my voice for the first time, which was such a horrendous experience. I just have too much to say all the time ;). On the other hand, I think my family appreciated the peace that resulted. The good news is, I'm starting to feel much better now.
I've been on a soft diet for the past several days, as it has been extremely painful to swallow - lots of Korean sweet potatoes, oatmeal, ice cream, Chobani...
While others were enjoying a "삼겹살," thick fatty slices of pork belly, party...
I ate lots of...
I didn't mind too terribly. I LOVE these sweet potatoes. They taste more like chestnuts. Have you ever had them?
As my throat seems to be opening up a bit more with each day, I set out to make my go-to chicken pasta dish. This recipe is a one pot wonder, and the clean up is a breeze. Most importantly, it comes together so quickly - total cooking time is less than 30 min! Have I sparked your interest? Here's the recipe ;).
Ingredients
- 1 Ib. chicken breast cubed to 1 in. pieces
- ¼ teaspoon italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt and pepper
- 2 teaspoon EVOO
- 4 oz of pasta I used shell shaped quinoa pasta *
- 1 Tbs garlic minced (can use less if you're not a garlic lover like me)
- ½ med yellow onion sliced
- 1 Tbs tomato paste
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 14.5 oz can fired roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil I roughly chopped about 7 pieces
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella
- Basil torn for garnish
- * you can use any small shaped pasta e.g. orzo as you wish or different grains such as wheatberry, barley...
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and s&p.
- Heat 1 teaspoon EVOO in med skillet over med-high heat. Cook chicken until browned on both sides. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add 1 teaspoon EVOO, garlic, and onions until translucent, approx 5 min. Add tomato paste. Add broth, tomatoes, sugar, and pasta. Once it boils, add the chicken back in. Lower heat to med-low, cover the skillet, and cook until pasta is al dente, approx 10-15 min.
- Turn off the heat and stir in sun dried tomatoes and mozzarella. Sprinkle with basil. Serve.
Nutrition
It's spicy, hearty, and satisfying! Enjoy!
Question:
How did you bring in the New Year?
I tried to stay awake but was so drowsy from the NyQuil that I went to bed as soon as I hugged Tim and yelled "Happy New Year!"
Min says
You are welcome, Elizabeth! I'm so glad you liked it and thank you so much for letting me know ;).
Elizabeth says
This was so super yummy! Thanks so much for posting!
taranoland says
I hope you are on the mend now and feeling much better!! I have add your wonderful recipe to my Mouth Watering Mondays. Come on over to see it at http://www.noshingwiththenolands.com Cheers, Tara
juliaroastedroot says
Great pasta recipe! Healthful and flavorful!
Linz says
Ugh I wasn't feel awesome on New Years either 🙁 boo. I wasn't super sick though and did go out to diner.
Doris says
Wow this looks delicious!!! Want to try this soon!
Kym says
Sorry to hear you were sick over the holidays but it's good that you're feeling better now! It seems a lot of people were hit with some kind of flu the past few weeks! My New Year was spent with family and friends, just simple gatherings with good company and lots of food... just the way i like it! 😛 Happy New Year to you and your family, i'm so glad I found your blog last year Min!
dixya @ food, pleasure, and health says
I hope you are feeling better now girl. and that pasta dish is totally up my alley. Its a must have dish once every week in my kitchen. I have never tried those quinoa pasta looks pretty good 🙂 thanks for the idea
rosewithoutthorns says
Glad you're no longer under the weather min!! I hate the feeling of not being able to swallow/talk without sounding like a man!
Glad you enjoyed your time with your family (albeit in peace & silence).
This chicken pasta recipe sounds absolutely delicious!! Might have to try it one day!! thanks for sharing dear!!
Happy New Year again!
savynaturalista says
Pork belly looks good... I hope you get better..
Leah says
Oh no - so sorry to hear that you're not feeling well. That's never any fun! It sounds like you're on the upswing though and I bet this dish was the perfect hearty meal to give you back some strength. Good luck in your recovery and happy new year. 🙂
Kristen @ Swanky Dietitian says
Happy New Year!
I am glad you are feeling better. I had gotten so sick once I about lost my voice. I had to talk to patients all day so it didn't work out well. I sounded a lot like a frog. Sometimes you just medicine.
This dish looks delicious and healthy, both great ways to ring in the New Year!
Laurie @ Love, Laugh, Laurie says
Happy New Year!! I hope you are feeling better -- I'm sure Kona can help with that 🙂
balancejoyanddelicias says
sorry to hear that you've been feeling sick, hope it gets better soon!
I actually went to sleep at the usual time, 9pm on 12/31. blah~~~ I'm getting old and not as excited about NYE as before. But I had great time with my family. Everyday with them seems to be a celebration day... so much joy!!! 🙂
carol says
Happy New Year Min - glad you are on the mend.
Kari @ bite-sized thoughts says
I'm so sorry you were so sick 🙁 Ugh. I hope you're getting back to normal now, and able to enjoy this dish as well as the delicious sweet potatoes!
Khushboo Thadani says
Ah sorry you're not feeling well, Min but glad you are on the mend! Hope you has a great NYE and wishing you all the best for 2013!
Love the sound of this recipe- quick, balanced and tasty! Those sweet potatoes look pretty delicious too- we get those kind in Mumbai and I actually prefer them to the orange variety!
Cinnamon says
I have been on the same soft diet! I've been so sick all week too. Boo! Here is to a healthy 2013!!