Garlic Chicken Pasta with Spinach

Looking at my monthly menu you can tell one of two things about me: either I really like pasta, or I am cheap, because almost all of my meals are pasta. Actually, both are true. I do like pasta, probably a bit too well. And I am cheap - I make EC turn off lights when he leaves the room, don't go out to eat very often, and take leftovers to work for lunch every day. But sometimes I need a change from the normal BLT pasta that we eat, so I found a new recipe that looked good, and it was pretty good, but I don't think I am THAT big of a fan of soggy spinach.

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Garlic Chicken Pasta with Spinach

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6 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

6 tablespoons olive oil

2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

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

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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.

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Pat chicken dry with paper towels and cut into bite-sized 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.

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Add 1 tablespoon salt and the pasta to boiling water and cook until tender but still slightly firm. 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.