lemon chicken pasta with spinach and pine nuts

this recipe i'll take credit for all on my own.  it was fantastic!

this dish could easily be made without the chicken for all of you vegetarians and vegans.

it's not the lowest calorie meal i've posted but, i'm trying eat back a lot of burned calories and fuel with carbs so, it was perfect for me!

lemon chicken pasta with spinach and pine nuts
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (i used thawed from frozen chicken tenders)
lemon pepper seasoning (for chicken)
4 oz pine nuts, toasted
1 lb pasta (i used linguine)
3 tbsp olive oil, seperated
4 large garlic cloves, minced
1 pound fresh spinach
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
juice of one lemon

directions:
spray chicken with non stick spray and season with lemon pepper and grill over low heat for 6-7 minutes per side.  let sit for 5 - 10 minutes before slicing.


toast pine nuts in small skillet over medium heat until golden brown, move the nuts around in the pan often and be careful not to crowd

cook pasta in salted water according to directions; drain and keep warm

while pasta is cooking, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in large skillet over medium heat; add garlic and saute about 5 minutes. add spinach and cook until wilted, about 7 minutes more.  season spinach with salt and pepper to taste.

in the skillet, toss pasta with spinach, sliced chicken and toasted pine nuts.

remove from heat and add cheese, lemon juice and 1 tbsp of olive oil.

serve warm with additional parmesan, if desired.

yields 8 servings.

Nutrition Facts lemon pasta with spinach and pine nuts Serving Size: 1 serving Amount Per Serving Calories 453 Total Fat 19.8g       Saturated Fat 4.7g       Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 35mg Sodium 246mg Carbohydrate 48.4g       Dietary Fiber 7.2g       Sugars 3.1g Protein 23.1g Vitamin A 58% Vitamin C 28% Calcium    19% Iron 20%