Chicken ragù are feel-good favorites. I make cozy meals for myself or for my family at the end of especially long days, on nights when I feel a cold coming on, or when we are in need of a little cheering up at your house.

SERVES 4

Ingredients:

Salt

1 pound whole-wheat or whole-grain rigatoni or other short cut pasta

3 tablespoons EVOO (extra-virgin olive oil)

¼ pound pancetta, a couple thick slices, cut into fine dice

1½ pounds chicken thighs, chopped into small bite-size pieces

1 medium to large onion, chopped

2 to 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary, leaves stripped and finely chopped

2 to 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

Black pepper

1 carrot, peeled

1 bay leaf

½ cup Marsala, a couple glugs

1 (28-ounce) can San Marzano tomatoes

Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn

Serve with wilted spinach or try the Spinach, Mushroom, and

Balsamic-Cream Crostini.

Method:

Heat a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Salt the water when it boils and cook the pasta to al dente.

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the EVOO over medium-high heat. Brown the pancetta for 3 to 4 minutes, then add another tablespoon of EVOO.

Add the chicken and brown evenly for 5 to 6 minutes. Add theonions, rosemary, and garlic, then season with salt and pepper.

Grate the carrot with a box grater directly into the pan and stir in. Add the bay leaf and cook until the vegetables are soft, 5 to 6 minutes.

Add the wine to the chicken and vegetables, stir and reduce for a minute, then add the tomatoes and crush them with a wooden spoon.

Simmer for a few minutes to thicken the sauce and combine the flavors.

Drain the pasta and toss with the chicken ragù and cheese. Discard the bay leaf. Garnish with some torn basil. Serve immediately.