Ah…Pasta!  Seems I can never have noodles often enough.  Sometimes I’ll mix zucchini noodles in with it.  Sometimes long skinny angel hair sounds best, other times ziti or rigatoni.  Anyway you serve it, it’s a favorite choice.

That being the case, it is a continual challenge finding ways to lighten up the topping I serve with it.  As you see in this recipe.  Spinach is a must, along with chopped onion.  This time I tossed in some chicken for the protein and the taste.  And a terrific taste it had.

One of the best things about a dish like this is the versatility.  You can add in any vegetables you like.  Mushrooms are another favorite, sometimes peppers.  Leave the chicken out and you have a tasty vegetarian dish.  Or add some tofu.  It’s delicious with ground turkey or ground beef if you prefer.  Season with soy sauce if you would like an Asian twist to the dish.

It only takes minutes to fix.  Serve it hot with fresh fruit or a little salad.  It’s so tasty.

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Chicken Florentine Pasta

Rating  5 from 1 reviews

Prep time:  15 mins

Cook time:  15 mins

Total time:  30 mins

Serves: 4 servings

Chicken, spinach, and pasta for a fast, flavorful pasta dish sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

• 1 pound pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 to 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• ½ onion, chopped
• 4 cups spinach
• 1 cube chicken bouillon in 1 cup water or 1 cup broth, chicken or vegetable
• 1 chicken breast, cut into ½ inch pieces
• salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Cook pasta, al dente, according to package directions, then drain.
2. In a large skillet, saute garlic and onion in hot oil for 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Add chicken breast, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Saute until no longer pink, stirring frequently. Don't overcook.
5. Add broth, then spinach.
6. Cover and cook down over medium heat for 4 or 5 minutes.
7. Toss frequently so spinach cooks down evenly.
8. Add pasta, a bit at a time, tossing and blending with other ingredients.
9. If necessary you can add a little more oil or broth.
10. Serve immediately

3.2.2925

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Merry Citarella, often writing as Merrci, writes on a wide range of topics. Recently relocated to the Oregon Coast in the northwest United States, she frequently writes travel features on the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She specializes in health and aging, Alzheimer’s Disease, food, lifestyle, and book reviews. For more information you can see her on The Writers’Door. You can read more articles here or at her websites Alzheimers HQ and Simple Living Ideas