Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta with Spinach

Need a girls night out, or "in", actually? This is the perfect meal for an all-woman evening! It feels healthy, light, and fresh. The lemon adds the perfect flavor in combination with the sweet garlic and creamy parmesan. I thoroughly enjoyed every bit that I took! My husband, however, did think it was much to "girly" of a meal....so use it to impress the girls, not the boys!

Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta with Spinach

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3 tsp. garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons olive oil
1-2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 pound penne pasta
3 ounces baby spinach, finely chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or 1/2 tablespoon dried
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon salt and the pasta to boiling water and cook until al dente. Drain pasta and return to the 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.
Cut chicken into bite-size pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer 1/2 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.

Stir in chicken, spinach, basil, lemon juice, parmesan, and remaining garlic mixture into pasta. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with remaining 1/4 cup parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Serves 4.

From: Melanie