Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta

This pasta is packed with nutrients, potassium from the spinach and calcium from the evaporated milk, which has 80% more calcium than regular milk. Serve with a crisp green salad. From Canadian Living Magazine.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1  teaspoon  vegetable oil
• 12  ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1  onion, chopped
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2  tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 (385 ml) can fat-free evaporated milk
• 5  cups  whole wheat penne (12oz/375g)
• 10  ounces fresh spinach, trimmed (recipe states half bag 10oz/284g pkg?)
• 1⁄3 cup fresh basil, shredded
• 1⁄4 cup  sweet red pepper, diced
• 3  tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2  green onions, chopped
•  salt, to taste
•  hot pepper flakes, to taste (optional)

Directions

1. in large nonstick skillet, heat oil over med-high heat, brown chicken and transfer to a bowl.
2. drain off any fat from pan, add onion (not green onion) garlic and black pepper, fry over medium heat until onion is soft, about 5 minutes, sprinkle with flour, cook stirring for 1 minute.
3. return chicken along with juices from chicken to pan.
4. add evaporated milk, cook stirring and without boiling, until thick enough to coat back of spoon, about 5 minutes. adjust seasoning if needed.
5. meanwhile, in pot of boiling salted water cook penne until tender but firm, about 12 minutes, add spinach, drain and return to pot, add chicken mixture, red pepper, basil, lemon juice and green onions: toss to combine.
6. serve while hot. if desired spinkle indivdual servings with hot pepper flakes.