Recipe Debate – Some like it Saucy

The latest recipe we tested is a new take on an old favorite. While testing, we found a difference of opinion in the correct amount of sauce.  How much is too much?  How much is not enough?  The decision is split within the testing team.  Not to influence your decision, but I’m on the not saucy enough side…  I like lots of sauce so when it’s reheated, the pasta isn’t dry.

So…for both of you reading this (thanks Shelby and Aunt Kathi), let us know where you side on the Great Sauce Debate.  Do you like just enough sauce or do you drown your sorrows in a good sauce?  If you are looking for a good quick weeknight meal, try it and let us know if you think it has enough sauce.

Chicken Cacciatore Bake

Prep Time:  15 minutes
Total Time:  1 hour
Difficulty:  Wedge (number of ingredients and steps)
Servings:  6

Ingredients:

4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/3 cup flour
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoon oil
1 medium onion diced
3/4 cup white wine
8 ounces tomato paste
1 ½  cups (14 oz, can) chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon oregano
¼ teaspoon chili flakes (if you like it spicy use ½ teaspoon)
1/2 cup pitted, halved Kalamata olives
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms (optional)
12 ounces egg noodles or pasta of choice
½ cup fresh shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Cut Chicken breasts in half.  Dredge in mixture of flour & salt.  Heat oil in a large fry pan.  Brown chicken in oil over medium high heat until dark golden (about 3 minutes per side).  Remove chicken from pan.  Add onions to remaining oil (if it’s too dry, add another tablespoon of oil).  Cook until onion is soft (about 4 minutes).  Add wine and stir to deglaze pan.  Stir in tomato paste, chicken broth, seasonings and olives & mushrooms.  Stir to blend.  Put chicken back in pan and cover.  Simmer 20 minutes on medium low heat.

While chicken is cooking, Heat a large 6 quart pot with salted water and cook noodles for 5 minutes (only until partially done).  Remove from heat and drain.

Butter a 4 quart or 9x12casserole.  Place noodles in casserole.  Pour chicken and sauce over noodles.  Top with Parmesan.  (May stop here and refrigerate for later).  Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until heated through.