What's For Dinner?

Got caught in two storms today.  No kidding, Killian and I sheltered in the back of a van at the Farmer's Market for about 45 minutes.  Then back in the storm by the time we got home...so was I going to the market today? Nope.  Never even got a chance to shop at the Farmer's Market; definitely not making it to Randalls or HEB.

First thought was to order in.  I've been craving Indian food but there's nothing like that here.  So my next choice was Thai.  Sadly, after ordering my Massaman I was informed there was a minimum of $25 for delivery.  Not happening with just me and the little man.  So...to the fridge and pantry I went with Little Man in tow.  And boy, what a great dish I happened to come up with!  I pulled everything out I thought I was gonna use, middle of the way swapped a few ingredients, and me and Little Man were happy!

Started with chicken, spinach, Capers, asparagus, red onion, garlic, leftover pastini, lemon, butter, garlic EVOO, and cannelini beans.

First up, add butter and EVOO to hot pan.  On Med heat.

Okay, not a great photo...but I threw in the onion and garlic over the heat .  Sautéed for about a minute, then took off the heat.  Why?  Cause I don't like burned garlic and I still needed to cut up the chicken.  Remember, this was not thoroughly thought through tonight?

At this point (chicken was browned on one side just enough...Baby was starting to get hungry...so was I, lol) and I decided that the cooked asparagus was too mushy.  At the same time, I realized I had grilled and marinated artichoke hearts.  So those went in with the beans.  But if you know me, you'll know that the color of this was...well, everything was just Beige...and I don't like to eat food that looks like the walls of the DMV. So, back to the fridge I went.

Before I tell you what I traded the Capers out for, I have to explain this picture.  This is 2/3 of what I made left in the pan.  I forgot to take a pic before plating...so I took it after.

Fresh Marzano Tomatoes!  After everything was cooked, I topped it with fresh tomatoes, dried parsley (I didn't have fresh), and a sprinkle of parmesan.

I I includes this photo just because I love sharing my dinner with #LittlePenner and he couldn't stop eating it!

Print Recipe:

1 Chicken Breast (cut into chunks)

3-4 cups Spinach (2 large handfuls for me)

2 Cloves garlic roughly minced 

1/4 Small Red Onion roughly minced

1 Can Cannelini Beans

Artichoke Hearts (I used about 6 slices and roughly chopped them)

8 Marzano Tomatoes (or whatever you have...these are about cherry size)

1/4 C Fresh grated Parmesan

Leftover pasta (about 1 Cup...optional)

1-2 Tbsp Butter (optional)

1-2 Tbsp EVOO (I used Garlic)

Zest of 1 lemon (juice of half the lemon)

Salt & Pepper

Fresh Parsley (or dried if you don't have on hand)

Melt butter and EVOO over medium heat (pan should already be hot).  Sweat the garlic and onion stirring for about 1 minute.  Salt and pepper the chicken, then add to pan. Let cook until browned on one side.  After flipping chicken, add a #Chew size pinch of salt and a couple turns of fresh cracked pepper.  Add the beans and artichokes while cooking for another 2-3 minutes.  At this point, add in the parmesan and stir.  Top with the spinach and wilt it down.  Add in leftover pastina to warm up, the zest of a lemon, and half the lemon squeezed over the dish.  This will really brighten it up and add a dimension to it!  Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.

Pull off the heat and plate with some of the sliced tomatoes, pinch of parsley, and a bit more parmesan.  

Eat with your favorite person.  As always, I live to hear what you did, how you liked it, any suggestions , or any questions.  Buon Appétit!