Here is a little recipe to top off the new school year. Ben Gusto has returned from Italy to its other headquarters in Northern Virginia.

With all the homework of junior year, and all other activities and fun stuff involved with teen life, I often find myself looking for something quick to eat for dinner late at night, well after the rest of the family has eaten. I realize it is a common practice amongst busy Americans to look for something quick to eat individually, as if the meal is an impediment on their daily schedule. It’s funny how the Italians think the complete opposite, and schedule their day around the meals. Well, since I’m back in America I suppose I will be cooking up things a little more quickly and simply, which isn’t a bad thing.

For a long or short dinner, this chicken recipe I created is delightful. Using only one pan for the entire cooking process, the chicken is cooked in a light white wine and cherry tomato sauce, and garnished with the addition of mild green peppers for a little “something extra”. Few ingredients, few utensils, little time, and great outcome.

Fun Fact: My photos in VA never seem to come out as good as my Italian photos. I just don’t have the kind of lighting available at my house like I do in Italy. But not to worry, I’m working on it. I won’t stand for a dip in quality.

Simple Pan Chicken in White Wine and Cherry Tomato

(serves 3)

• 1 large Chicken Breast 
• 1 mild Green Pepper
• 2 cloves Garlic
• Olive Oil
• Cherry Tomatoes (about 3 handfuls)
• Dry White Wine
• Salt and Pepper

Dice the pepper.

Dice the green pepper into small pieces.

Sauté the pepper and garlic cloves in a large pan filled with enough olive oil to cover the surface on low-medium heat until softened (about 2 minutes).

Sauté the green pepper in olive oil with garlic.

Take the pepper pieces out of the pan and put aside, leaving just the olive oil and garlic.

Dice the raw chicken breast into chunks.

Throw the chicken on the pan and crank the heat up to medium-high. Cover and let cook just until the outside turns white.

Add the cherry tomatoes and white wine (about 1/3 cup). Let simmer and cook through until a sauce is created.

Add the cherry tomatoes.

Add the cooked pepper at the end and stir. Plate with a side of hearty vegetables and warm bread. Buon Appetito!