The Pantry Puzzle. . .

We've all been there before--Just home from work, no intention of going anywhere else, favorite show on the tube, and what the heck do you make for dinner?  I don't know about you, but for me it usually involves a couple of trips back and forth between fridge, freezer, and pantry in an attempt to piece together a meal that somewhat makes sense.  Though it is a good cheat, I try not to play the "heap a bunch of stuff in a pan and throw in some cream of mushroom soup" card very often, because casseroles, though convenient, can get rather tiresome after a while.  One particular night, I had some chicken in the freezer, some pasta shells in the pantry, and a great idea before Doctor Who came on.

From the pages of Cooking for Adventurers:

FIRECRACKER CHICKEN

2 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 Sixteen oz. can of tomato sauce
1 Ten oz. can of diced tomatoes and chilies, drained*
4 oz. chopped mushrooms
1 Medium onion, chopped
1 Cup small shells
1/3 cup white wine
2 Tbsp. olive oil

*It should be noted, that canned, diced tomatoes and chilies are also available in mild, should members of your group like things a bit more tame.

To taste:

• Salt
• Seasoned pepper
• Rosemary
• Oregano
• Cilantro

In a 5 quart saute pan, heat 1 Tbsp of olive oil and cook onions for one minute, stirring constantly.  Add mushrooms, 1/3 cup white wine, and tomatoes & chilies.  Reduce heat and simmer until wine has almost evaporated.  Remove from pan and set aside.

Start pasta boiling.

In the saute pan, heat remaining olive oil over medium heat and saute chicken breasts, seasoning with Seasoned pepper and rosemary.  When chicken is cooked through, add tomato sauce, salt, oregano, cilantro, and reserved mushroom/onion/tomato mix.  Stir thoroughly and simmer, covered, over low heat for about six to seven minutes.  Serve with pasta.

And there you go.  A quick fix after a hard day at work.  This recipe obviously serves two, but can be increased rather easily if you have a larger group to fend for.  Tuck into a plateful with your favorite beverage and a friend or two, and stay warm this winter!