Chicken, Spinach and Pasta - Nothing fancy, but delicious!

Yum! This was one of, actually my only, standby dishes at the end of college and right after I graduated. I hadn't really found my love for cooking yet, but I was beginning to dabble in the cooking world. This was a dish my mom "made up" when we were kids. It is so easy and delicious. It's light yet hearty and comforting. I have been looking forward to this for a couple of weeks now!!! We had horrible weather today, so it was perfect.

I know in the picture that it looks like a lot of spinach, but it will wilt down as it heats up from the pasta water, pasta and chicken.

p.s. I know I take horrible pictures! :)

Chicken, Spinach and Pasta

1-2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - cut into bite size chuncks

1/2 lb. any shape pasta - my favorite is farfalle

5 oz baby spinach

2 garlic cloves minced

1 tbsp. olive oil

2 tbsp. butter

1/2 c. grate Parmesan cheese

juice from 1/2 lemon

splash of white wine

salt and pepper

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to directions on the box. (Reserve a couple ladlefuls of the pasta water to add at the end.)

Bring a medium skillet to medium high heat. Add the olive oil. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 4 minutes and add the garlic. Cook the garlic for about 30 seconds and add the dash of wine. I added about 1 tbsp. Cook until chicken is no longer pink. Remove from heat and set aside.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, put the butter in the bottom. Add the spinach to the bowl. At the end of the pasta cooking time, add 1-2 ladles of the cooking water. Add grated cheese and juice of lemon. I added a little zest, as well.

Add drained pasta and chicken. Toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. I served this with warm French bread, as well. I do love carbs!

If I had some pine nuts or walnuts, I would have toasted those and added them. I just didn't have any on hand.

The whole dinner came together in about 20 minutes and was so satisfying. It's nothing fancy, but it sure tastes good!!