Pasta with Chicken and Kale

As I sit here in a meeting for which there was no reason I was required to attend, I decided to transcribe a very successful culinary experiment I attempted last night. A couple of cautionary notes:

1. I don't measure spices, especially for meat spice rubs and marinades. I just don't. To me, the correct level of flavor attained by adding herbs and spices is a very subjective affair.
2. Another spice-related note: I go easy on the garlic powder and oregano and liberal on the black pepper. The former two pack quite a punch and, I find, can overpower a dish, while I love the fragrance and slow burn of the latter.
3. Fond is KING! I think the brown bits at the bottom of the pan are the ultimate flavor-enhancer and they definitely play a major role in this dish.

So, without further ado, here's the formula:

3 small or 2 large chicken breasts
Olive oil
Garlic powder
Oregano
Salt
Pepper
2 generous handfuls of baby kale
Farfalle, 1 cup dry
Parmesan or romano cheese, to taste (for me, this is half a container :-))

1. With a paper towel, pat chicken dry of excess juices. LIBERALLY apply olive oil to the chicken and toss the chicken around until coated (this will be your cooking oil, as well). Apply garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Let chicken sit at room temperature for about 15-20 to soak up those flavors. After the mingling session, add chicken and excess oil to a cold pan and turn heat to medium. When the chicken starts to get loud, turn the heat down to medium-low. Cook for about 7 minutes per side. This will get you a great fond, i.e. the brown bits at the bottom of the pan. Remove chicken from the pan and let it rest on a plate.
2. While the chicken is cooking, cook the pasta. Drain the pasta, set aside, and reserve about a half cup of the cooking water.
3. While the chicken rests, add the kale to the hot pan. The water from the kale will loosen the fond and soak it up to provide your flavor. Cook the kale, stirring frequent to avoid sticking, for about 4-5 minutes.
4. Slice the chicken and add it, the pasta, and reserved water to the pan with the kale. Set heat to low and let these guys influence each other for about 20-30 minutes.
5. Serve in bowls and add cheese to taste.

Serves 2