Pasta Pile-up with Chicken ~ adapted from Better Homes and Gardens

4 lasagna noodles, prepared to package instructions and cut in half
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
1 t salt
10 grinds fresh black pepper
4 T olive oil, divided plus more for garnish
2 t dried oregano
2 t dried basil
1/4 t anise seed
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 28 oz can diced tomatoes, drained
10 oz fresh spinach
1 T fresh lemon juice
shaved parmesan cheese, for garnish

Wash and dry chicken breasts. Slice into 1/2 inch pieces and add salt and pepper. Sprinkle one side of sliced chicken with half the oregano, basil and anise. Heat 2 T olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken, spice side down, to pan and sprinkle with remaining oregano, basil and anise. Cook chicken until juices run clear, approximately 8 minutes, turning once half way through.

Remove chicken to paper towel to drain. Pour chicken fat from pan and add remaining olive oil until total in pan is approximately 2 T. Add garlic and saute over medium heat until golden. Add tomatoes and cook 3 minutes. Add spinach, mix well and remove from heat.

To plate, place 1/4 c tomato & spinach mixture on plate. Layer with lasagna noodle, another 1/4 c tomato spinach and chicken breast. Continue layering until all tomato spinach mixture is used. Top with shaved parmesan and drizzle with lemon and olive oil. Serves 4.