Penne with Salmon, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Spinach

This is a really simple, flavorful, and healthy pasta dish to prepare. But as usual the recipe is not carved in stone. Add or subtract the ingredients you like. I happen to like fish, so I made it with salmon. But this could easily be made with chicken instead, or even vegetarian. The simple recipe is below.

Penne with Salmon, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Spinach

Makes about 2 portions

2 cups whole wheat penne (5 or 6 ounces)

3 tablespoons olive oil

8 ounces salmon filet, diced

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, julienned

½ teaspoon dried basil

¼ teaspoon crushed hot pepper

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

1½ cups chicken or vegetable broth

2 cups spinach leaves, washed and chopped

Boil the penne in lightly salted water, drain it, and set aside. Heat the olive oil in large a heavy skillet. Add the diced salmon, cook it until lightly browned, then remove it from the pan with a slotted spoon, and set aside (leave the oil in the pan). Add the onion to the pan and cook for a few minutes, until it just begins to brown. Add the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, hot pepper, and salt. Cook for a minute or so, then add the broth. Coo the broth until it reduces and concentrates east half. Stir in the spinach and cook it for just a minute. Add the cooked pasta and salmon back to the pan and gently fold it into the broth and other ingredients until heated through. And if you'd like, garnish with grated cheese. 

Urban Simplicity.