Angel Hair with Chicken & Cherries

 

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

  Makes

4 servings

 

Nutmeg and cherries are the new "it" pair. It’s the secret something that really makes this angel hair pasta dish. My vegetarian friend likes it just as well without chicken.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces uncooked multigrain angel hair pasta
• 3/4 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 package (6 ounces) fresh baby spinach
• 1/2 cup dried cherries
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans, toasted
• 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, toss chicken with cornstarch, salt and pepper. In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken mixture; cook and stir until no longer pink. Stir in spinach and cherries; cook 3-4 minutes longer or until spinach is wilted.
3. Drain pasta, reserving 3/4 cup pasta water. Place pasta in a large bowl; sprinkle with nutmeg and toss to combine, adding enough reserved pasta water to moisten pasta. Serve with chicken mixture. Sprinkle with cheese and nuts.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup pasta with 3/4 cup chicken mixture: 561 calories, 22g fat (4g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 566mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 7g fiber), 36g protein.