Ingredients

serves 4

　　2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves

　　1 large bay leaf, fresh or dried

　　2 tablespoons EVOO (extra-virgin olive oil)

　　4 large leeks, trimmed, washed, and dried

　　3 to 4 garlic cloves, chopped

　　Salt and pepper

　　1 cup dry white wine

　　1 quart chicken stocK

　　2 cups egg pasta, such as broken egg fettuccine or tagliatelle

　　2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped

　　2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

　　1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped

　　Crusty baguette, sliced

　　Soft cheese such as goat cheese, robiola, Camembert, or Boursin

　　

Step 1

Place the chicken and bay leaf in a small pan and add water almost to cover. Place over high heat, bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and poach the chicken until cooked through, about 10 minutes.

　　

Step 2

Meanwhile, heat the EVOO in a soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the leeks and garlic, season with salt and pepper, then stir, cover, and cook for 7 to 8 minutes. Add the wine and cook out for 1 minute, then add the stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer. Remove the chicken from the poaching liquid and dice, then stir into the stock. Strain the poaching liquid and add it to the soup. Add the egg pasta, thyme, and lemon zest. Cook at a low boil until the pasta is tender. Stir in the parsley and adjust the salt and pepper. Serve with crusty bread spread with soft cheese.

　　Cooks' Note

　　To clean leeks, chop them first and then wash them. Trim the tough tops and root ends, halve them lengthwise, then slice them ½ inch thick. Fill a large bowl or sink with water, add the leeks, and separate the slices to let the grit fall away. Remove the leeks with a skimmer and dry in a salad spinner or on a clean kitchen towel.

　　Rachael Ray's Look + Cook