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Chicken Ragu with Veggies

Chicken Ragu with Veggies

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil, plus additional for drizzling

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 1 pound ground chicken

  • Salt and pepper

  • 2 tablespoons rosemary, finely chopped

  • 1 tablespoons thyme, finely chopped

  • 1 yellow or orange spring carrot, peeled and cut into 1-inch matchsticks or grated

  • 1 rib celery with leafy tops, finely chopped

  • 1 leek, halved lengthwise, cleaned, whites and light greens thinly sliced

  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped

  • 2 tablespoon tomato paste

  • 1/2 cup white wine

  • 1 cup chicken stock

  • 1/2 cup fresh shelled peas (optional)

  • 1 pound egg tagliatelle or fettuccine

  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • A couple handfuls grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus some to pass at table

Directions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta.  

Heat a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat with EVOO, 1 turn of the pan. Melt butter into oil then add chicken and brown and crumble. Season chicken with salt, pepper and fresh herbs; add carrots, celery, leeks and garlic, and cook 7-10 minutes, stirring frequently. Add in tomato paste and cook for couple minutes. Add wine and reduce a minute; add stock and reduce heat to a low simmer. Add peas, if using, and let simmer sauce while the pasta cooks.  

Salt boiling water liberally then drop pasta and cook 1 minute less than al dente per package directions. Reserve about 3/4 cup starchy, salty water before draining pasta.  

Add lemon zest and juice to sauce.  

Add pasta to sauce and vigorously toss with some starchy water, a drizzle of EVOO and the cheese for 1 minute to coat. Serve in shallow bowls with additional cheese at the table.