Orecchiette Pasta with Red Wine Braised Chicken and Aromatic Vegetables
Source: John Ash Show #JA9763
Yield: 6 servings

6 large chicken thighs, boned and skinned
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive or canola oil
1/2 pound fresh shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and thick slice
1 cup yellow onion, sliced
3 tablespoons slivered garlic
1/2 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup thinly sliced celery
2 cup hearty red wine
2 cup ripe tomatoes, diced, seeded
1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
1 tsp chopped fresh sage
4 cup chicken stock
balsamic vinegar (optional)
1/3 cup finely chopped parsley
1/2 lb orecchiette pasta, uncooked
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup drained sundried tomatoes in oil, finely chopped

Garnish
fresh basil sprigs
freshly shaved Asia go or parmesan cheese

Season chicken liberally with salt and pepper. In a large, heavy bottomed saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons oil and quickly brown chicken over high heat. Remove and set aside.

Add mushrooms, onion, garlic, carrots, and celery and saute until very lightly browned.

Return chicken to pan and add wine, tomatoes, thyme, sage, and the stock and bring to a simmer. Cover and simmer until chicken is tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove chicken and cut meat into bite sized slices and set aside.

Strain braising liquid reserving vegetables and return liquid to pot. Bring to a boil and cook over high heat for 8 to 10 minutes to reduce and thicken lightly. This also concentrates the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper and drops of balsamic vinegar if using. Add reserved meat and vegetables and heat through. Stir in parsley and keep warm.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil, add salt to taste and pasta. Cook pasta until just tender, drain and toss with chopped basil and sundried tomatoes. Place pasta in center of warm, large flat pasta bowls and ladle braised chicken sauce around. Garnish with basil springs and shaved cheese and serve immediately.

Recommended wine: Fetzer Barrel Select Zinfandel, Cabernet or Merlot