Last week at the farmer’s market I bought Herb Pappardelle. They looked interesting. I don’t think I’ve ever made a dish with Pappardelle so it seemed like an interesting change. Knowing that I had lots of chicken in the fridge to use up I grepped the Internet for Pappardelle and chicken. I found this recipe among others: Presto Pasta Nights: Pappardelle With Chicken Cooked In Red Wine. It looked interesting..and I figured I could adapt it to what I had on hand. Namely, canned tomato instead of fresh, cubed chicken breast instead of whole, dry white wine (left over from the potato soup) instead of red. Also, on reading it.. it called for about 2 1/2 hours of cooking time.. and that seemed like WAY too much.. especially for a worknight meal. I think this is now cut down to about an hour.

All in all I really like what came out. I’ll definitely make this sauce again. I didn’t love the Farmer’s Market Pappardelle.. it tasted oily. I think next time I’ll make my own.

Pappardelle with Chicken

Makes 4-6 servings
Loosely based on Presto Pasta Nights: Pappardelle With Chicken Cooked In Red Wine

3 oz bacon, finely diced
2 chicken breasts, cubed small
1 large yellow onion, diced
1-2 large celery stalk, diced
1-2 large carrot, diced
2 cloves garloc, chopped
1 can diced tomatoes
1 1/2 cup dry white wine (I used Turning Leaf Sauvignon Blanc)
1 package pappardelle (enough for 4 servings)

In a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until it’s crisp. Add the chicken and cook in the bacon grease until the chicken is golden, about 5 mins. Add the onion, celery, carrot, and garlic. Continue to cook until onion is soft, ~10 mins. Add the canned tomatoes, 1 1/2 cup wine, stir and bring to a boil.

Reduce to low heat, cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Stir well and continue to simmer uncovered until the sauce thickens slightly(~20 mins). Season with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, boil water and cook up the pasta. Drain pasta and add to serving bowl (or the pot where the sauce is cooking). Toss to coat evenly. Top with parmesan cheese.