Chicken Cacciatore and Rigatoni
Salt
1â„2 lb. rigatoni
2 T. extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) (twice around the pan)
1 lb. chicken tenders, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch chunks
Freshly ground black pepper
1â„4 lb. thick-cut pancetta, chopped
5 to 6 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tsp. crushed hot red pepper flakes
4 portobello mushroom caps, halved, then thinly sliced across
1â„2 C. dry red wine
1 C. beef stock
1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
A couple of handfuls fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano to pass at table
Heat a pot of water to a boil for the pasta. When the water boils, season with salt and add the pasta. Cook to al dente, with a bite to it. Meanwhile, heat a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the EVOO and chicken, white and dark meat, and season it with salt and pepper. Let the chicken sit for 3 to 4 minutes, then turn it and brown the opposite side for 2 to 3 minutes, seasoning it after the flip as well. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and reserve. Add the pancetta to the pan and crisp it up, 2 or 3 minutes. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, stir for 30 seconds, then add the mushrooms and brown for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until deep brown and tender. Season the mushrooms with salt and pepper after they’ve darkened. Deglaze the pan with the red wine and reduce it for 30 seconds, then stir in the stock and tomatoes. Bring the sauce up to a bubble and add the chicken back to the pan. Simmer the chicken for 5 minutes in the sauce to finish cooking through. Add the cooked pasta and parsley. Stir to combine and check seasoning. Serve with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
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