Spinach tip and a favorite recipe

I would love to share one of my favorite recipes with you.  I haven't been able to make it since my baby has been born because of the parmesean cheese, but it is SO delicious!  I miss it!

Garlic Chicken Pasta with Spinach
http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2009/04/garlic-chicken-pasta-with-spinach.html
 

Ingredients

• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (this doesn’t add spiciness – just the right amount of flavor)
• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound penne pasta (I like to use whole wheat penne)
• 1 (5-ounce) bag baby spinach
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil or 1 tablespoon dried
• 6 tablespoons juice from 2 lemons
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Bring 4 quarts water to a boil in a large pot. Meanwhile, combine garlic, pepper flakes and oil in a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave until garlic is golden and fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Pat chicken dry with paper towels and cut into bite-size pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer 1 tablespoon of the garlic/red pepper oil to a large skillet and heat over medium heat until oil is rippling. Add chicken and cook until well browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
3. Add 1 tablespoon salt and the pasta to boiling water and cook until tender but still slightly firm (al dente). Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water. Drain pasta and return to the pot. Stir in chicken, spinach, basil, lemon juice, Parmesan, and remaining garlic mixture, adding reserved pasta water as needed. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

 SPINACH for smoothies

I read on pinterest a cool tip on saving spinach for smoothies.  When I buy spinach at Costco I never go through it all before it goes bad (maybe I just need to eat it more).  Someone had a great idea and shared it!  If you puree your spinach in a little bit of water in the blender, then put it into ice cube trays and freeze it, you can just throw several of the spinach cubes into your smoothie mixture.  Here is a post about it if you are interested.
http://rowdystroudy.blogspot.com/2012/08/good-things-and-green-smoothie-tip.html