Recipe: Orecchiette Pasta with Braised Chicken

recipelink.com Chat Room Recipe Swap - 2001-01-31
From: Nancy,.SanFran

Orecchiette (little Ears) Pasta With Braised Chicken
Serving Size : 6

6 large Chicken thighs - (3 lbs) -- skin, bone removed
Salt -- to taste
Freshly-ground black pepper -- to taste
2 tablespoons Olive or canola oil
1/2 pound Fresh shiitake mushrooms -- cleaned, stemmed,
-- sliced thick
1 cup Sliced yellow onion
3 tablespoons Slivered garlic
1/2 cup Diced carrots
1/2 cup Thinly-sliced celery
2 cups Hearty red wine
2 cups Diced, seeded ripe tomatoes
1 teaspoon Chopped fresh thyme
1 teaspoon Chopped fresh sage
4 cups Chicken stock
Balsamic vinegar -- optional
1/3 cup Finely-chopped flat-leaf parsley
1/2 pound Orecchiette or other shaped dry pasta
1/4 cup Chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup Drained sundried tomatoes in oil -- finely chopped
Fresh basil sprigs -- for garnish
Freshly-shaved Asiago or Parmesan cheese -- for garnish

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.

This recipe yields 6 servings.

Recommended wine: Fetzer Barrel Select Zinfandel, Cabernet or Merlot.

Comments: The original recipe title as listed is ”Orecchiette (Little Ears) Pasta With Red Wine Braised Chicken And Aromatic Vegetables”.

Recipe Source: THE JOHN ASH SHOW with John Ash
From the TV FOOD NETWORK - (Show # JA-9763 broadcast 03-01-1997)
Downloaded from their Web-Site - http://www.foodtv.com

This recipe has been tried and it is delicious!