This time of year with Labor Day behind us yet not into the holiday season, is a perfect time to cook. On those days when time is short and the day is long, a "welcome home" meal like this could be on the table in the time it takes to boil a pot of water for the pasta.
Crock-Pot Chicken Cacciatore with Fettuccine
1/3 cup flour for dredging
Find out what's happening in Greenwichwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
3 1/2 – 4 pounds meaty chicken pieces (breast halves, thighs, and drumsticks), skinned
2 tablespoons olive oil
Find out what's happening in Greenwichwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
2 cups thinly sliced fresh cremini and/or button mushrooms
1(14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
1-1/4 cups chopped green sweet pepper (1 large)
1 cup chopped onion (1 large)
1 cup chopped carrots (2 medium)
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons snipped fresh basil
2 tablespoons snipped fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley
1 pound fettuccine, linguine or spaghetti
Grated Parmigiano or Pecorino Romano cheese
Place flour in a plastic bag. Add chicken pieces, a few at a time, shaking to coat. In an extra-large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken, half at a time if necessary, in hot oil about 12 minutes or until browned, turning occasionally. Transfer chicken to a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker.
Add mushrooms to skillet; cook and stir over medium-high heat for 3 minutes. Transfer mushrooms to cooker. Add drained tomatoes, sweet pepper, onion, carrots, wine, salt, and pepper to mixture in cooker.
Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 6 to 7 hours or on high-heat setting for 3 to 3 1/2 hours. Before serving, stir in basil and parsley. Serve the sauce and chicken over fettuccine passing along grated Parmigiano or Pecorino Romano cheese for topping. Makes 6 servings
TIP: To put a "char" on the chicken, remove from the crock-pot, place on a foil lined sheet pan and place under the broiler on High for a few minutes. You can also top with grated mozzarella and melt in a 300 degree oven while you prepare the pasta or garlic mashed potatoes.
Buon Appetito! From Amelia's Kitchen
This fall's class registration is a great success but there might be a seat or two left. To register for the ALL NEW Fall GACED Classes that begin on September 25, 2013 at Greenwich High School on Hillside Avenue, go to www.greenwichace.com! Classes begin at 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Fall theme centers around SUNDAY DINNER IN AN ITALIAN HOME.
