Chicken Florentine with Pasta

**Not Gluten Free?? Use regular pasta and your favorite Alfredo sauce.
**Not Dairy Free?? Use regular Alfredo sauce and Romano cheese.
**Grain Free? Substitute your favorite grain-free pasta or serve over zucchini noodles.


Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
6 oz fresh spinach (about 6 cups)
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
1 tsp garlic powder, to taste
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons pesto (Use your favorite gluten free store-bought pesto or Gluten Free Cinderella's Homemade Pesto Sauce.)
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
Alfredo sauce (Use your favorite gluten free store-bought Alfredo sauce or Gluten Free Cinderella's Homemade Alfredo Sauce.)
1 (12 oz) package gluten free penne pasta
1 tablespoon grated Romano cheese (If using homemade Alfredo sauce, the Romano cheese is already included.)

Optional:

Gluten Free Bread or Crackers
Celery, carrots or other vegetables
Tortilla chips

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, but do not add the pasta yet.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the fresh spinach and cook until completely wilted, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Place the chicken chunks in a large bowl. Drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and season
   
   with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
5. Heat the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
6. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
7. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the gluten free penne pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
8. Stir the pesto into the chicken until evenly coated.
9. Add the tomato sauce and cooked spinach. Stir until combined and heated through.
10. Stir in the prepared Alfredo sauce and cook for another 3-5 minutes until everything is hot and creamy.
11. Add the cooked pasta and gently toss until evenly coated with the sauce.
12. Sprinkle with Romano cheese, if desired, and serve immediately.