Pesto Chicken Florentine

"Extremely rich combination of chicken, spinach and creamy pesto sauce. Serve with crunchy bread and romaine salad--it's the best!"

Make 4 servings.

Ingredients :

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into strips
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1 (4.5 ounce) package dry Alfredo sauce mix
• 2 tablespoons pesto
• 1 (8 ounce) package dry penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon grated Romano cheese

Directions :

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add garlic, saute for 1 minute; then add chicken and cook for 7 to 8 minutes on each side. When chicken is close to being cooked through (no longer pink inside), add spinach and saute all together for 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, prepare Alfredo sauce according to package directions. When finished, stir in 2 tablespoons pesto; set aside.
3. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente. Rinse under cold water and drain.
4. Add chicken/spinach mixture to pasta, then stir in pesto/Alfredo sauce. Mix well, top with cheese and serve.