I am a sucker for creamy pastas, what can I say?  This Lemon Angel Hair Pasta with Chicken and Spinach is pure comfort food.  The chicken used for this recipe is a FABULOUS way to cook chicken for any casserole or recipe that calls for chunks or slices of chicken.  It’s so yummy and perfectly seasoned!  For this recipe, make sure to make the Chicken first so it’s ready to add to the pasta when you need it!

Ingredients:

Chicken:

Pasta:

• 16 oz angel hair pasta
• 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1/2 Tbsp crushed red pepper
• 2 lemons, zested and juiced
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (or shredded)
• 1 cup baby spinach, stems removed

Instructions:

1. For the chicken:  Preheat the oven to 350.  
2. Mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl.  
3. Rub the seasoning all over the chicken breasts.  
4. Pour olive oil in the bottom of a Dutch oven, and heat to med-high.
5. When nice and hot, add chicken to the pan, (in batches if necessary), and cook 2-3 min per side.  
6. Put all the chicken back in the Dutch oven.  Place uncovered Dutch oven in the oven for 25 minutes or until juices run clear or the chicken registers 165 degrees.
7. Let sit on a plate 5-10 minutes before slicing in to bite size chunks.
8. For the pasta:  Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
9. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions for al dente. (It will continue to cook in the sauce to make it more tender.)
10. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over low heat.
11. Add oil, garlic, and crushed red pepper. Cook until the oil sizzles (about 1-2 minutes).
12. Add lemon juice, half-and-half, and about 1/4 cup of the pasta water to the garlic oil mixture.
13. Raise the heat to med-low to med heat until the sauce begins to bubble.
14. When the pasta is done, drain it and add the pasta, lemon zest, and 1 cup of the Parmesan cheese to the cream sauce.
15. Toss for a minute or two.
16. Add sliced chicken and spinach, and toss until well distributed.
17. Top with remaining cheese and serve.