Braised Chicken Thighs with Slow-Cooker Marinara

 1 1/2 pounds ripe tomatoes, cored and chopped (about 5 cups)
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 c. chopped yellow onion
3 T. tomato paste
1 (3 inch) piece Parmesan cheese rind
1 bunch basil stems, plus 1/4 c. basil leaves
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 2 lbs.)
1/2 t. black pepper
2 t. kosher salt, divided
1 T. olive oil
1 lb. uncooked fettuccine, cooked according to package directions
1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese


Combine tomatoes, garlic, onion, tomato paste, Parmesan rind, and basil stems in a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker.

Sprinkle chicken thighs evenly with pepper and 1 teaspoon of the salt. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken to skillet, and cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to slow cooker, and nestle into tomato mixture. Cover and cook on LOW until tomatoes have broken down and chicken is very tender and done, 2 to 3 hours.

Transfer chicken to a cutting board to cool slightly. Remove and discard basil stems and Parmesan rind from slow cooker. Stir in remaining 1 teaspoon salt. Process mixture using an immersion blender until mostly smooth, about 30 seconds. Shred chicken into 1-inch pieces, and stir into slow cooker.

Toss pasta with tomato-chicken mixture, and divide evenly among 6 bowls. Top with basil leaves and grated Parmesan.