Enjoy Spinach Pasta with Pasture Raised Chicken and Noodles: A Wholesome Delight

Imagine a vibrant plate filled with tender chicken and a delightful spinach pasta that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also nourishes your body. This healthy meal is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s a powerhouse of nutrition that you can easily incorporate into your everyday cooking.

The Nutritional Powerhouse of Spinach

Spinach is like the superhero of the veggie world, and it’s not just because Popeye swore by it! This leafy green wonder has a nutritional profile so impressive it could win awards.

Rich in Essential Vitamins

Spinach is packed with vitamins that might just be more important than your morning coffee! It's loaded with vitamins A, C, and K. Vitamin A is like a superhero for your eyes, immune system, and skin, and it even helps cells communicate. Vitamin C is the antioxidant boost your immune system and helps you absorb iron from plant-based foods. Then there's vitamin K, the underrated hero of blood clotting and bone health.

Mineral Content and Health Benefits

Spinach is packed with iron and calcium. Iron is great for boosting your energy and keeping you feeling lively, which is awesome if you're feeling drained, especially for pregnant women and those with specific diets. Calcium is like the secret to strong bones and teeth, so you’re not just skin and bones. Throwing some spinach into your meals can help you get the calcium you need, especially if you're not a fan of dairy.

Low in Calories, High in Fiber

Spinach is being super low in calories but loaded with fiber, a cup of raw spinach has just 7 calories, making it the perfect guilt-free snack you've been dreaming about. Even though it's low in calories, it's packed with fiber!

Antioxidant Properties and Overall Health

Spinach is also a treasure trove of antioxidants, perfect for keeping oxidative stress at bay. Antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin are the body’s personal eye doctors, reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Spinach’s anti-inflammatory powers also help fend off chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes, making it the health sidekick you never knew you needed.

Versatile Culinary Uses

You can toss it raw into salads, blend it into smoothies, sauté it as a sidekick to your main dish, or incorporate it into pasta dough. Its mild flavor makes it the perfect culinary chameleon, blending seamlessly with a variety of ingredients. With its rich vitamin and mineral content, low-calorie, high-fiber awesomeness, and endless culinary possibilities, it deserves a prime spot on your plate.

lemon pepper chicken and spinach fettuccine for 6

Ingredients

• 1 Whole pasture raised chicken

• 340G Spinach Pasta

• Lemon pepper for seasoning

• olive oil

• Salt for pasta water

• 1-2 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp garlic salt

• parmesan cheese for taste

• 3 tablespoons butter

• pepper

• 1/4 cup parsley

instructions

• Begin by preheating your oven to a temperature of 425℉. This high heat is essential for achieving that beautifully roasted, crispy skin on your chicken. While the oven is heating up, take a moment to prepare your cooking surface. Spray a large skillet generously with cooking spray to ensure that your chicken does not stick during the cooking process. If you don't own a large skillet, you can use a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.

• Next, it’s time to spatchcock your chicken, which involves removing the backbone to allow the bird to lay flat. This technique not only reduces cooking time but also promotes even cooking throughout the chicken. Once your chicken is spatchcocked, season it generously with lemon pepper seasoning. Drizzle a good amount of olive oil over the chicken to help lock in moisture and enhance the crispiness of the skin during roasting. Make sure to rub the seasoning and oil into the chicken thoroughly for maximum flavor.

• Carefully place the seasoned chicken in the prepared skillet, ensuring it is positioned skin-side up for optimal browning. Bake the chicken uncovered in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes. However, keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the size of the chicken; larger birds may require additional time. To determine doneness, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached between 165 to 170℉. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and succulent chicken.

• While the chicken is baking, you can prepare your pasta. Start by salting your water generously, as this enhances the flavor of the pasta itself. Bring the water to a rolling boil, which is the optimal state for cooking pasta. Once boiling, add your pasta of choice and cook it according to the package instructions. This usually takes around 8 minutes. Remember to save ½ cup of the starchy pasta water before you strain the pasta, as this will be a crucial ingredient for your sauce.

• In a separate pan, combine the reserved ½ cup of pasta water with a generous pat of butter and the juice of half a fresh lemon. Once the butter has completely melted and combined with the lemon juice, add freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of garlic salt.

• Toss the cooked pasta into the pan with the sauce, for an extra touch of flavor, grate fresh black pepper and freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top before serving. Serve your pasta alongside the roasted chicken for a delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy your culinary creation!