Creamy Dijon-Tarragon Chicken with Rice Pilaf

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter, divided
1/3 cup broken spaghetti pieces
1 cup long-grain white rice
Salt and pepper
3 cups chicken stock, divided
1/4 pound haricots verts (thin green beans), stemmed and halved
3 tablespoons EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided
4 6-ounce pieces skinless, boneless chicken breast
2 large shallots, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1/2 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup crème fraîche
3 to 4 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Yields: 4

Preparation

In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the pasta; cook until golden, about 2 minutes. Stir in the rice; season with salt and pepper. Stir in 2 1/4 cups stock, cover, lower the heat and simmer until tender, about 18 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, bring an inch or two of water to a boil. Add the haricots verts and cook until crisp-tender, 2-3 minutes. Drain and let cool.

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons EVOO over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, add to the pan and cook, turning once, until golden, about 12 minutes. Transfer to a platter and keep warm.

To the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoons EVOO and butter. Cook over medium-high heat until foaming, then add the shallots and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Stir in the wine and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the remaining 3/4 cup stock, crème fraîche, tarragon and mustard.

Slice the chicken and add to the sauce in the pan. Stir in the green beans. Serve with the pilaf.