Garlic Chicken Pasta with Spinach

This chicken recipe, Garlic Chicken Pasta with Spinach, leans on garlic cloves, red pepper flakes and olive oil. It makes 6 servings and takes about 30 minutes.

• Yield 6 servings
• Ready in 30 minutes
• Prep 15 minutes
• Cook 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 6 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (this doesn’t add spiciness – just the right amount of flavor)
• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• 2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 (5-ounce) bag baby spinach
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil or 1 tablespoon dried
• 6 tablespoons juice from 2 lemons
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Bring 4 quarts water to a boil in a 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 tablespoon 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 tablespoon salt and the pasta to boiling water and cook until tender but still slightly firm (al dente). Reserve 1/2 cup 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.

Give it a minute off the heat, then serve it while it is still hot.