Easy Dinner ~ Chicken and Spinach Pasta

Last night I was faced with a dilemma. I had a bunch of stuff, mostly leftovers, but not enough of any one thing for the whole family, and I didn't want to go food shopping (Eeew, I never do). Since I started watching Food Network almost obsessively, I consider it a challenge to take a bunch of junk and make it into something we can eat. Two leftover pieces of Kentucky Fried Chicken, a frozen pack of spinach, three rolls, some cheese and two containers of pasta got pulled out of the pantry and fridge. I like this recipe so much, that I'm going to make it again, and for once my kids didn't complain about spinach.

I put the pasta on to boil. I used Rotini this time, but I think next time I shall use linguine! I nuked the frozen spinach, cut up the chicken into tiny pieces, and started a sauce. For the sauce, I melted 2 TBSP butter on low heat and then added 2 TBSP flour a little bit at a time. Once this was incorporated, I added 2 1/2 cups of milk and simmered on low heat until thickened. I also added Parmesan cheese (to taste), the chicken, and a pinch of pepper and some garlic powder. Next time I think I will add mushrooms and olives too. :)

When the pasta was done I drained it and put it back in the pot. I drained the spinach and added that too and then I just poured the sauce on top of it. I mixed it all up, dished it up, and then I added shredded mozzarella cheese to the top. I served it with home made garlic bread. (Rolls cut and buttered, a sprinkling of garlic powder and cheese and parsley. ) Mmmmmm....

Quick, easy and relatively painless, even for me, the non cook.