SLOW COOKER CHICKEN RAGù WITH HERBED RICOTTA

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Slow Cooker Chicken Ragù With Herbed Ricotta image

This recipe has a comforting lasagna vibe, as the spicy chicken-and-tomato sauce mingles with the rich, herby ricotta. Make the sauce as hot as you like: Begin with 1 1/2 teaspoons red-pepper flakes for a fairly mild spice level, then add more at the end if you want more heat. You'll notice there isn't much liquid when the chicken and vegetables go into the slow cooker, but have faith: The juices released during cooking end up making a not-too-thick ragù that is perfect for saucing pasta. In fact, because some chicken has more moisture than others, you may end up with more liquid than you'd like. If that happens, turn off the heat so the sauce cools a bit and is not bubbling, then vigorously stir in two egg yolks before you add the pasta. This adds glossy thickening power, just like it does in carbonara.

Provided by Sarah DiGregorio

Categories     dinner, weekday, pastas, poultry, main course

Time 6h30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 small carrot, peeled and chopped
1/2 yellow or red onion, finely minced (about 1 cup)
4 garlic cloves, smashed and chopped
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 sprig fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
1 sprig fresh oregano (or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano)
1 1/2 teaspoons red-pepper flakes, plus more to taste
1 teaspoon onion powder
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 (14-ounce) can whole tomatoes or crushed tomatoes
8 ounces pappardelle, tagliatelle, fettuccine or other long, thick pasta
1 cup whole-milk or part-skim ricotta
Heaping 1/4 cup chopped soft fresh herbs, such as chives, oregano, parsley or basil, or a mix
Juice of 1/4 lemon (1 to 2 teaspoons)
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1 handful torn fresh basil leaves

Steps:

  • In a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker, combine the chicken, carrot, onion, garlic, tomato paste, olive oil, thyme, oregano, red-pepper flakes and onion powder. Add 2 teaspoons kosher salt and a couple grinds of pepper.
  • Pour the tomatoes and their juices into the slow cooker, crushing the tomatoes with your hands, if using whole. Stir to combine.
  • Cover and cook on low until the chicken is very tender, about 6 hours. The ragù will hold well on warm for an additional 1 to 2 hours.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. While the pasta cooks, in a small bowl, combine the ricotta with the chopped herbs, lemon juice and a pinch of salt; set aside.
  • Coarsely shred the cooked chicken with two forks. Remove and discard the herb sprigs and add the vinegar and the basil leaves. Taste the sauce, adding more red-pepper flakes, if you like. Turn off the slow cooker. Pour the drained pasta into the slow cooker and toss to combine.
  • Divide among bowls and top with the ricotta mixture.

Ninam Channel
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I highly recommend this recipe. It's a great way to enjoy a delicious and comforting meal without a lot of effort.


Basanta Tmg
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This is one of my favorite recipes from Alice Recipes. It's always a hit with my family and friends.


Elenne Diarra
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I'm not a big fan of slow cooker meals, but this one is an exception. It's so easy to make and the results are amazing.


Kiran Rajpoot
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This dish is so comforting and satisfying. I love the way the chicken and sauce meld together.


M Hasnain
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I love the herbed ricotta in this dish. It adds so much flavor and creaminess.


Ikram qasim
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This is my go-to recipe for a quick and easy weeknight meal. It's so easy to throw together and always turns out great.


Arlene Davidson
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I've made this dish several times and it's always a hit. It's so versatile, and I love that I can change up the vegetables and herbs to suit my taste.


mx kobir
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This is a great recipe for a beginner cook. It's so easy to follow and the results are always delicious.


Maher Usman
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I'm always looking for ways to get my kids to eat more vegetables, and this dish is a great way to do it. They love the creamy ricotta and the flavorful sauce.


June Cook
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This dish is perfect for a cold winter night. It's so hearty and comforting.


Ibrahim Zakari
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I love that this recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients. I always have everything I need on hand to make it.


Laith Alyasjeen
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This is one of my favorite slow cooker recipes. It's so easy to make and always turns out perfectly.


Lugolobi Cathy
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I'm not a huge fan of ricotta cheese, but I really enjoyed it in this dish. It added a nice tanginess that balanced out the richness of the sauce.


OgonPlayzGames
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I made this for a dinner party last night and it was a huge hit. Everyone raved about how delicious it was.


Ashur Oraha
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This dish is so flavorful and comforting. The chicken is fall-apart tender, and the sauce is rich and savory.


Big Spungus
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I'm always looking for new ways to use my slow cooker, and this chicken ragù is definitely a keeper. The herbed ricotta adds a delicious and creamy touch.


abdlla ali
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This slow cooker chicken ragù is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It's so easy to throw together in the morning, and I love that I can come home to a delicious, home-cooked meal without any extra effort.