Breast of Chicken Rustica

     You can never have too many chicken recipes.  They are healthy and this one comes together quickly.  If you prefer dark meat you can make it with chicken thighs; if you don't like green beans you can substitute a different vegetable or leave out the vegetable all together.

                                                           Breast of Chicken Rustica

1 6 oz. box of mushrooms
1 1/2 tblsp. stick margarine
3 tblsp. Marsala wine
2 tblsp. stick margarine
4 boned, skinned chicken breast halves
1 cup boiling water
1 cup lactose free milk
1 10 3/4 oz. can tomato soup
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. fresh rosemary, minced or 1/2 tsp. dry rosemary
1 clove garlic, minced
2 cups dry noodles
1 8.5 oz. can artichoke hearts, drained and halved
1 8 oz. pkg. frozen whole green beans

     Clean and slice the mushrooms.  Spray a large skillet with cooking spray, then melt the 1 1/2 tblsp. margarine in the pan.  Add the mushrooms and cook over a medium heat.  Stir occasionally.  When the mushroons are browned, turn off the flame, add the Marsala wine, then turn the flame back on to low.  When the liquid is gone, remove the mushrooms to another bowl.
     Using the same pan, spray with vegetable spray and melt the 2 tblsp. margarine.   Add the chicken smooth side down and cook about 3 minutes over a medium-low heat until brown making sure the chicken browns but doesn't burn.
     Turn the chicken over.  In a separate bowl mix together the water, milk, soup, spices and garlic.  Pour over the chicken.  Sprinkle the noodles over the top and stir to cover with liquid.
      Add remaining ingredients and cover.  Bring to a boil and reduce heat.  Simmer 7 to 9 minutes, stirring several times.  Continue to cook until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear and the noodles are tender.
     Next week I will begin my periodic series on mug cakes.  These are popular now because you can make them quickly, cook them in minutes in the microwave, and you can make just a serving or two.  I will start with a recipe called devil's food mug cake with chocolate chips and almonds.  See you next time.