Pantry Friendly Chicken with Lemon Basil Sauce

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 tablespoons distilled white vinegar

1/4 (.4 oz) packet ranch dressing mix (optional)

pasta, cooked al dente

2 (12.5-ounce) cans chunk chicken, drained

2 garlic cloves, chopped

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

1 cup low-salt chicken broth

1 cup spinach (canned, fresh, or dehydrated)

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil or 1 tablespoon dried basil

salt

pepper

 

In a small bowl, make a sauce for the pasta by whisking together 1 tablespoon of the oil, the vinegar, and the ranch dressing mix (if using). Add to the cooked pasta and stir to combine. Set aside. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a wide, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sauté until browned. Add the chicken to the bowl of pasta. Leave the juices in the pan. n same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add the garlic to the pan and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the lemon juice and lemon zest. Stir until well blended. Add the chicken broth and spinach; simmer until reduced to sauce consistency, about 8 minutes. Stir in the basil and season to taste with salt and pepper.  Spoon the warm sauce over the chicken and pasta and serve.