Mushroom, Asparagus and Chicken Sauté with Rice Pilaf

For the rice, heat a medium saucepot over medium heat with the butter; melt. Add pasta, toast to deep golden brown, and nutty and fragrant; season with salt and pepper. Add rice and stir 1 minute; add stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook 18 minutes to tender. Stir in pine nuts and fluff with a fork.

 

Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a turn of the pan. Melt butter into oil and add mushrooms; brown well then add salt, pepper, thyme, asparagus, shallots and garlic, and stir to tender-crisp, 3 minutes. Sprinkle in flour and stir a minute or so more. Add Marsala or sherry and stir; add stock and thicken until it becomes a loose gravy. Add chicken and parsley, remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.

 

Serve in shallow bowls lined with pilaf and filled with chicken sauté.