The next two courses are Pasta and Red Sauce, Basil Chicken with Caramelized Parsnips and Onions in our Dinner for Two with Overstock.com Farmers Market bundles!
When I think of romance my mind immediately drifts to Italy… I mean, the Italian Cuisine is truly a sensual experience. So, uncork a bottle of wine for sipping while you enjoy the romantic art of preparing, cooking, and eating a 4 course Italian dinner with your lovie.
Traditionally, in Italy the protein and sauce are cooked together but served separately. The pasta and sauce served first with the protein and vegetable following. It’s a beautiful way to experience the protein and the sauce in their own individual way- complimenting flavors but without over-powering each other.
Our second course is a hearty traditional tomato sauce, which is cooked with the chicken but served as a separate course over a good quality pasta. Did you know there over 2000 shapes of pasta? Pretty amazing! So, take a look at the different shapes and sizes to pick one that speaks to you. I chose the Tarchiette shape for this course because I loved the twisty-curly shape which has is large enough in size to have a sufficient bite to it.
Our third course is savory Basil Chicken with Caramelized Parsnips and Onions. You’re about to experience the beautifully layered and robust flavors of traditional Italian cooking. Do not be afraid, any level of culinary expertise you possess is perfect- these recipes are easily followed.
- 2 organic chicken breasts, fat trimmed
- 2 tablespoon olive oil, divided
- ½ cup small diced onion
- 2-3 tablespoons dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 roma tomatoes, cut length wise
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced to garnish
- 4 ounces tarchiette pasta, prepared to package directions
- 2 tablespoons chevre goat cheese, olive oil, and sea salt; to garnish
- Caramelized Parsnips and Onions:
- 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into ¼ inch cubes (approximately 1 cup)
- ¼ cup thinly sliced onions
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons white wine or chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons chevre goat cheese, olive oil, fresh cracker pepper, and sea salt; to garnish
- In a large skillet over medium high heat , add 1 tablespoon olive oil, allow to heat 1 minute.
- Place chicken breasts in skillet and cook 2-3 minutes or until nicely browned, turn and repeat.
- Remove chicken from pan; set aside.
- Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to pan.
- Add onion and saute for 2-3 minutes or until nicely browned.
- Deglaze pan by adding white wine or chicken stock; stirring and scraping up bits from bottom of pan.
- Add canned diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper; stir to incorporate.
- Return chicken to pan; place sliced roma tomatoes on top of sauce evenly spaced around pan.
- Reduce heat to medium low, cover, and cook 15-20 minutes until thickest part of chicken breasts reach 165 degrees temperature.
- Prepare pasta according to package directions, drain and hold.
- (rinse in hot water to reheat and loosen if necessary)
- Caramelized Parsnips and Onions:
- In a small skillet over medium high heat add butter and cook; stirring constantly 2-3 minutes or until caramelized and fragrant.
- Add onion; cook 2 minutes or until well browned, stirring constantly.
- Add parsnips; stirring to incorporate then add white wine, vinegar, honey, and salt; stir.
- Cover and reduce heat to low, cook 3-4 minutes or until parsnips are tender.
- To serve:
- Course 2: Place chicken on serving platter, garnished with basil and parsnips garnished with chevre cheese.
- Course 3: Serve pasta with remaining sauce from pan, cherve cheese, fresh cracked pepper and drizzled olive oil to garnish.
- Buon Appetito!
Enjoy these Basil Chicken with Caramelized Parsnips and Onions, Pasta and Red Sauce for the next two courses for a date night in!
Saving the best for last, tomorrow is dessert… Fresh Pear Tart!!
Buon Appetito!
Ruthie
*The beautiful plates and platters are the work of a local artist here in Salt Lake City, read more about CM Ceramic Art here.
*This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Overstock.com Farmers Market. All opinions are entirely my own.
The post Pasta and Red Sauce, Basil Chicken with Caramelized Parsnips and Onions appeared first on Cooking With Ruthie.