Tuscan Garlic Chicken Pasta

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 Servings
Source: Cook's Country, April/May 2009
Category: Pasta

Ingredients
6 cloves Garlic (minced)
1⁄4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
6 tablespoons Olive Oil
4 whole Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless)
1 pound Penne Pasta
5 ounces Baby Arugula
1⁄2 cup Basil
6 tablespoons Lemon Juice
1 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
  dash Salt
  dash Ground Black Pepper

Directions
  1. Bring 4 quarts water to boil in a large pot. Meanwhile, combine garlic, pepper flakes, and oil in bowl and microwave until garlic is golden and fragrant, about 1 minute.
  2. Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Transfer 1 tablespoon oil from bowl with garlic mixture to large skillet and heat over medium-high heat until just smoking. Add chicken and cook until well browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to cutting board and tent with foil. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice thin and set aside.
  3. Add pasta to boiling water and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water. Drain pasta and return to pot. Stir in sliced chicken, arugula, basil, lemon juice, Parmesan, and remaining garlic mixture, adding reserved pasta water as needed. Season with salt and pepper. Serve.