Orzo With Chicken, Red Pepper, And Shiitakes

Total Time: 40 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1 1/8 teaspoons salt
• 3/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 2 red bell peppers, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1/4 lb shiitake mushroom, stems removed, caps cut into 1/4 inch slices
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 lb orzo pasta
• 4 ounces mild goat cheese
• 1/3 cup skim milk
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Recipe

• 1 in a large nonsstick frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over moderate heat. season the chicken with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. put the chicken in the pan and cook for 5 minutes. turn and cook until just done, about 5 minutes longer. remove. when the chicken is cool enough to handle, cut the breasts crosswise into 1/4 inch slices.
• 2 heat 2 tablespoon oil in the same pan over moderately high heat. put in the bell pepper, shiitakes, thyme, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. cook, stirring frequently until the mushrooms are golden brown, about 5 minutes. add the garlic and cook, stirring for 30 seconds longer. remiove from the heat.
• 3 in a large pot of boiling water, cook orzo according to package directions. drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
• 4 in the frying pan, combine the reserved pasta water with the goat cheese, milk, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. bring almost to a simmer over moderate heat, stirring until smooth, about 2 minutes. add the orzo, chicken and 3 tablespoons of the parsley. serve topped with remaining tablespoon parsley.