Chicken Ragu

Another great pasta night with one of Rachael's pasta recipe which my family enjoys. It is tasty and delicious. Definitely one that is worth cooking again.  

I skipped the pancetta, did not have any and I replaced the marsala wine with white wine.  I can imagine how much tastier it will be with both the pancetta and marsala wine.

I'm sharing this with
Saturdays with Rachael Ray at Taste and Tell
Cookbook Sundays at Mom's Sunday Cafe
Celebrity Cook-Along, Rachael Ray at Happier Than A Pig In Mud

Chicken Ragu
(adapted from "Rachael Ray's Look+Cook" by Rachael Ray)
Serves 4
Salt
1 pound whole-wheat or whole-grain rigatoni or other short cut pasta
3 tablespoons EVOO (extra-virgin olive oil)
1/4 pound pancetta, a couple thick slices, cut into fine dice
1-1/2 pounds chicken thighs, chopped into small bite-size pieces
1 medium to large onion, chopped
2 to 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary, leaves stripped and finely chopped
2 to 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
Black pepper
1 carrot, peeled
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup Marsala, a couple glugs (I use white wine)
1 (28-ounce) can San Marzano tomatoes
Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn


Heat a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Salt the water when it boils and cook the pasta to al dente.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the EVOO over medium-high heat. Brown the pancetta for 3 to 4 minutes, then add another tablespoon of EVOO. Add the chicken and brown evenly for 5 to 6 minutes. Add the onions, rosemary and garlic, then season with salt and pepper. Grate the carrot with a box grater directly into the pan and stir in. Add the bay leaf and cook until the vegetables are soft, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the wine to the chicken and vegetables, stir and reduce for a minute, then add the tomatoes and crush them with a wooden spoon. Simmer for a few minutes to thicken the sauce and combine the flavours. Drain the pasta and toss wtih the chicken ragu and cheese. Discard the bay leaf. Garnish with some torn basil. Serve immediately.