Pasta Shells with Chicken, Mushrooms & Capers

I prefer chicken thighs here because the flavor of the dark meat marries nicely with the hearty, savory character of this dish, but if you prefer, substitute breast meat. Here's a great place to use good-quality salt-cured capers (soaked in water for 15 minutes and rinsed) if you can find them.


Pasta Shells with Chicken, Mushrooms & Capers


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Servings: Serves two generously
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Ingredients
 
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  • 1/2  ounce  dried porcini mushrooms, soaked in 1-1/4 cups warm water for 30 minutesOn Sale
  • 2  tablespoons  olive oilOn Sale
  • 3  tablespoons  unsalted butterOn Sale
  • 4  ounces  button mushrooms, wiped clean and slicedOn Sale
  • 1  large  shallot, thinly slicedOn Sale
  • 1  clove  garlic, mincedOn Sale
  • 1-1/2  teaspoons  chopped fresh rosemaryOn Sale
  • 3/4  pound  skinless, boneless chicken thighs (3 to 4 thighs), cut into bite-size piecesOn Sale
  •     Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepperOn Sale
  • 1/2  cup  dry white wineOn Sale
  • 6 to 8  ounces  dried pasta shells or farfalleOn Sale
  •     Splash of sherry vinegarOn Sale
  • 2  tablespoons  capers, rinsedOn Sale
  •     Grated Romano cheese for serving (optional)On Sale

Directions
1.
Strain the porcini, reserving the soaking liquid. Squeeze them dry, chop them into small pieces, and set aside. Strain the soaking liquid though a fine sieve or a paper coffee filter; set aside. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for cooking the pasta. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter. Add the fresh mushrooms and cook briskly, stirring frequently, until lightly browned and most of their liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes. Add the shallot, garlic, rosemary, and the drained, chopped porcini. Cook, stirring briskly, until the shallot is soft, about 4 minutes. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for another 2 minutes. Pour in the wine and the reserved porcini soaking liquid; bring to a boil. Simmer uncovered until the chicken is tender and cooked through, about 12 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the pasta until just tender. Drain the pasta, leaving drops of water clinging to it, and add it to the skillet. Add the vinegar and capers; heat gently for a few minutes to let the pasta drink up the juices. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and taste for salt and pepper. Serve warm with the grated Romano, if you like.

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Cheesy Mixed Pasta Casserole with Mushrooms

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