Transitioning

Cold weather is coming and there is no better way to get your body winter ready than by eating delicious pasta dinners!

This sauce is quick to make, has a slightly smokey flavor from the paprika, includes spicy harissa to warm you up in the fall and winter months, and includes a hint of balsamic to help ease us out of summer flavors.  If you don't have harissa, it's okay to add some red pepper flakes instead!

Smokey Pasta with Chicken, Tomatoes, and Greens

Ingredients

• 1 c pasta of choice
• 1/2 sweet onion, chopped
• 2 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1/2 lb chicken, sliced into thin strips and lightly oiled, salted, and peppered.
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 2 t dried basil or oregano
• 1/2 t smoked paprika
• 2 T balsamic + 1 T tomato paste + 1 T harissa, whisked
• 2 t capers
• 2 large handfuls of arugula
• Olive oil as needed

Optional

• Parmesan to garnish

Combine

1. Fill a pot with salted water and bring to a boil over high heat.  Dump in the pasta and cook accordingly.
2. Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  When the oil is shiny, add the onion to the pan and saute for 5-7 minutes until softened.
3. Add the garlic and saute for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Push the veggies to the edges of the pan, add a little more oil, then place the chicken in the center without overlapping the pieces.
5. Once the edges of the chicken start to turn white, flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
6. Add in the tomato, basil, paprika, balsamic, tomato paste, harissa, and capers.
7. Stir until the ingredients are well combined and the chicken is cooked through (5-7 minutes).
8. Add the drained pasta and arugula and toss until well coated.
9. Garnish with parmesan and enjoy!