PENNE WITH SPINACH AND CHICKEN

Penne with Spinach and Chicken image

Yield Makes 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 large red onion, thinly sliced
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped garlic
1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
2 large skinless boneless chicken breast halves, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices
2 10-ounce packages ready-to-use spinach leaves
12 ounces penne pasta, freshly cooked, 1/2 cup cooking liquid reserved
1 2/3 cups grated Parmesan cheese (about 5 ounces)

Steps:

Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, lemon peel and rosemary. Sauté until onion softens, about 7 minutes. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Add chicken to pot and sauté until just cooked through, about 4 minutes. Add half of spinach and toss until beginning to wilt, about 2 minutes. Add remaining spinach and toss until all spinach is wilted but still bright green, about 3 minutes longer. Mix in pasta, then 2/3 cup cheese. Moisten with reserved pasta cooking liquid by tablespoonfuls if mixture is dry. Season with salt and pepper. Serve, passing remaining 1 cup cheese separately.