Standby Dishes

Everyone has those stand by dishes that can be made with things you always have in your kitchen and can be whipped up by heart. Those dishes that equal comfort in everyday life.

Mine is lemon chicken pasta. So easy, quick and since I cook like an Italian grandmother I always have the ingredients on hand. (Recipe below)

 Lemon Chicken Pasta
Serves: 4
Cook Time: 20 minutes

1 lb penne pasta 
1 1/4 to 1 1/2lb boneless skinless chicken breast
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 1/2 lemons (save some slices for garnish)
grated Parmesan
salt and pepper

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper and put on a grill pan or grill at medium heat
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add penne. Cook according to package instructions
3. At about 3 minutes before the pasta is finished, heat the olive oil in a medium saute pan over medium-high heat
4. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes for about 1 minute, take pan off heat
5. Drain the penne and add to the saute pan then put mixture in large bowl
6. Slice chicken crosswise into strips and add to the bowl
7. Squeeze lemon juice over mixture, then toss the pasta and chicken in bowl
8. Sprinkle Parmesan over mixture until top layer is coated (I like a lot of Parmesan so I add a lot, add as little or as much as you'd like)
9. Season with salt and pepper

Enjoy! I'd love to hear what you think!