Chicken and Orecchiette Pasta with Red Wine - serves 6

6 large chicken thighs, (3 lb ), boned, skin removed
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive or canola oil
1/2 lb fresh Shiitake Mushrooms stemmed, thickly sliced
1 cup yellow onion, sliced
3 tbsp slivered garlic
1/2 cup carrots, diced
1/2 cup celery, thinly sliced
2 cup hearty red wine
2 cup ripe tomatoes, diced, seeded
1 tsp fresh thyme and sage, chopped
4 cup chicken stock
Balsamic vinegar optional
1/3 cup parsley, finely chopped
1/2 lb orecchiette
1/2 lb other shaped dry pasta
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained, finely chopp

Garnish:
Fresh basil sprigs
Asiago or Parmesan cheese, freshly shaved

Season chicken liberally with salt and pepper. In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons oil and quickly brown chicken over high heat.
Remove and set aside. Add mushrooms, onion, garlic, carrots, and celery and saute until very lightly browned.
Return chicken to pan and add wine, tomatoes, thyme, sage, and the stock and bring to a simmer. Cover and simmer until chicken is tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove chicken and cut meat into bite-sized slices and set aside.
Strain braising liquid reserving vegetables and return liquid to pot. Bring to a boil and cook over high heat for 8 - 10 minutes to reduce and thicken lightly. This also concentrates the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper and drops of balsamic vinegar if using. Add reserve meat and vegetables and heat through. Stir in parsley and keep warm.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil, add salt to taste and pasta. Cook pasta until just tender, drain and toss with chopped basil and sun-dried tomatoes. Place pasta in center of warm, large flat pasta bowls and ladle braised chicken sauce around garnish with basil springs and shaved cheese and serve immediately.