Dinner in a Panic

[horseshoes]

I have JUST impetuously invited a couple for dinner tonight (why do I do these things). Question is what can I make in such short notice? No fish, no chilli, no lamb, no offal. I'll be eternally grateful for a tried and trusted recipe (I seem to have disasters using ones off the internet). Something a bit special but nothing too complicated. Thank you thank you thank you

[woofgang]

from the Flylady website.
This is very good
http://www.flylady.net/pages/kitchen2.asp

Garlic Lime Chicken
Serves 6

1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon thyme
6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup chicken broth
4 tablespoons lime juice
In a bowl, mix together first 7 ingredients. Sprinkle mixture on both sides of chicken breasts.

In a skillet heat butter and olive oil together over medium high heat. Saute chicken until golden brown, about 5 minutes on each side. Turn down the heat, remove the chicken (keeping warm) and add the lime juice and chicken broth to the pan, whisking up the browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. Keep cooking until sauce has reduced slightly. Add chicken back to the pan to thoroughly coat and serve.

[horseshoes]

Mm sounds lovely Woof.. I'll definitely try that but not tonight..the lady can't eat anything spicy (due to a temporary medical condition) (normally she loves it). Out of interest, when you say chicken broth, is that chicken stock.

[grasscarp]

Why not a Greek evening. Greek salad - lettuce, feta cheese, olives, baby tomatoes and dressing. Some tsatsiki, humous and taramasalata and warm pitta breads. Then they can pick out the things they want or dont want.. You just need to shop and nothing to cook - easy!

[woofgang]

yes chicken broth is chicken stock

[Clanad]

How about an easy pasta dish? Try this...

8 ounces whole-wheat pasta shells , tubetti, ziti or rigatoni (we prefer ziti pasta)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 15-ounce can cannellini beans , rinsed
1 large clove garlic , minced (optional for the tender stomach)
1 pound ripe tomatoes , diced (about 3 cups)
1/4 cup oil-cured black olives , pitted (see Tip) and chopped
1/2 cup sliced fresh basil
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
You can also add a few fresh, sliced mushrooms... some don't care for them.

Put a large pot of water on to boil. Cook pasta, stirring occasionally, until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes or according to package directions. Drain.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add beans and garlic; cook, stirring frequently, until the beans are just heated through, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat. Add tomatoes, olives, basil, salt and pepper. Stir gently to combine. To serve, divide the pasta among 4 plates and top with sauce and cheese. Makes 4 servings. (Double the recipe if you need to.)

A nice garden salad with vinagarette dressing and a side of Italian rolls or bread would do nicely... Take about 45 minutes for the whole thing.

[horseshoes]

Sorry I didn't come back to thank you..... in the end I did a beef strogonoff (made with fillet) on a bed of pasta. It was absolutely lovely. I shall certainly try your suggestions though - I love trying new recipes. Thanks again.