Garlic Chicken Pasta With Spinach

Light and healthful, as far as pasta dishes go, this recipe is packed with flavor and makes for a very satisfying meal.

ingredients

6 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 t. red pepper flakes (this doesn’t add spiciness-just the right amount of flavor)
6 T olive oil
2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
salt & pepper to taste
1 pound penne pasta
1 (5 oz.) bag baby spinach (double or triple this!!)
1/2 c. chopped fresh basil or 1 T. dried
6 T. juice from 2 lemons
1 c. grated parmesan cheese

1
Bring 4 quarts water to a boil in large pot. Meanwhile, combine garlic, pepper flakes and oil in a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave until garlic is golden and fragrant, about 1 minute.
2
Pat chicken dry with paper towels and cut into bite-size pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer 1 T. of the garlic/red pepper oil to a large skillet and heat over medium heat until oil is rippling. Add chicken and cook until well browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
3
Add 1 T. salt and the pasta to boiling water and cook until tender but still slightly firm (al dente). Reserve 1/2 c. cooking water. Drain pasta and return to the pot. Stir in chicken, spinach, basil, lemon juice, parmesan, and remaining garlic mixture, adding reserved pasta water as needed. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

Source: mykitchencafe.blogspot.com