Week 18, Recipes 3 & 4: White Wine & Tarragon Chicken with Zucchini Pasta Bake

This month's Rachael Ray magazine is all about grilling.  I couldn't wait for a grill to try this marinade recipe, though!

1 1/2 cups dry white whine
1/2 cup white wine
2 finely chopped shallots
1/3 cup chopped tarragon
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp. salt
chicken quarters


Results: This marinade could be used for anything.  Marinade from 1- 8 hours.  I cooked the chicken on 350 uncovered for 35 minutes, then covered it for another 25 minutes.  GORGEOUS and falling off the bone!  I can't say I was too crazy about the flavor.  It definitely needed more salt.  I probably should've done at least 3 hours but I got hungry after 1hr and a half!


Zucchini Pasta Bake  
Recipe courtesy of Allrecipes.com

• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup crushed saltine crackers
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 cups chopped zucchini
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 pinch dried celery flakes
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta, cook for 10 to 12 minutes, until al dente, and drain. Lightly grease a medium casserole dish.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a blender or food processor, thoroughly mix the Parmesan cheese and crackers.
3. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the onion in the skillet, and cook and stir until tender. Mix in the zucchini, tomato, and garlic, and season with oregano, basil, celery, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook and stir until the zucchini is tender.
4. In the prepared casserole dish, mix the pasta with the vegetable mixture and mozzarella cheese. Top evenly with the Parmesan cheese mixture.
5. Bake 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the topping is lightly browned. Allow to sit 5 minutes before serving. 

Results: Pretty awesome!  I used only asiago cheese & should've paid attention to the amount of pasta.  BUT that mistake paved the way for tomorrow's deliciousness!  I used breadcrumbs instead of crackers & canned diced tomatoes.  I also added pepper.  How does a recipe not call for black pepper??  I also omitted the celery flakes because I didn't have any in the house.