Simple made Extraordinary

These days, finding both the energy and creativity for dinnertime meals is a bit of a challenge although I am sure I am not alone on this one. So, when a delicious, easy and quick meal springs forth from the deep recesses of a very tired and packed mind, it must be shared!



We will call this one Spicy Italian Chicken with Pasta - original, I know!



Ingredients:

2 good sized boneless, skinless chicken breasts - pounded thin

1 cup seasoned bread crumbs

1 egg - beaten [with about 1 teaspoons of water]

4-5 tablespoons of freshly harvested and chopped oregano leaves

olive oil

1 small white onion

4-6 chopped garlic cloves

1 teaspoon of crushed red peppers

1 large [16 oz] can of diced plum tomatoes

1 oz red wine

packaged pasta [we used spaghetti noodles]



Cover the bottom of a saucepan with olive oil, adding the chopped garlic, onion, 2 teaspoons of oregano and crushed red peppers. Saute mixture over low heat for 15 min or so. Stir occasionally.



Meantime, pound the chicken breasts thin by placing between waxed paper and using rolling pin to take out daily frustrations - flatten the chicken to 1/2 in or thinner by pounding it [hey, who said you can't sneak in a little therapy time while cooking?]

Combine the bread crumbs and 2-4 teaspoons of freshly chopped oregano in shallow baking dish.

Dip the flattened chicken breasts in the egg wash and then into coat with oregano/bread crumb mixture.

In a skillet, cover the bottom with olive oil and when warmed, brown the oregano breaded chicken breasts about 5-7 minutes on each side.


Back to the saucepan, add your canned diced tomatoes, red wine and season with salt. Cook 5 min or so and when chicken has been browned on both sides, cover them with your tomato sauce.

Cover chicken with lid and simmer for 10 min or so.

Serve on a bed of cooked pasta. A bit of Parmesan cheese finishes it off right!



Truth be told, I can not believe how good dinner was! The best part was that it fed all five of us last night and made for three lunches, today! Not too bad for a just before payday, cupboards are a little bare, Mom is dead tired [grumpy & hungry] family dinner!



Were you looking for a picture? What can I say, did the dishes and went off to sleep. Maybe next time.



Enjoy the day and this delicious recipe!



Carrie-Anne
Rolling Hills Herbs & Annuals