Pasta Peasant

Directions

1. 1
   Boil the pasta according to package directions, making sure to salt the water.
2. 2
   Meanwhile, set the spinach in the colander you will be using to drain the pasta.
3. 3
   Cube or crumble the feta, and set aside.
4. 4
   Toast the chopped walnuts in a heavy-bottomed sauce pan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Set aside.
5. 5
   When the pasta is cooked al dente, pour it into the colander to drain, using the heat of the cooking water to wilt the spinach. Drain well.
6. 6
   Pour the pasta and the spinach into a large serving bowl and immediately douse with the olive oil, stirring to evenly coat.
7. 7
   Toss in the feta, walnuts, and chicken (if using), as well as the red pepper flakes. Toss to combine.
8. 8
   Serve hot, or at room temperature. Pass with extra red pepper flakes.
9. 9
   For the best flavor, let refrigerated leftovers come to room temperature rather than reheating them in the microwave.