Cheesy Tomato Chicken

Place an oven rack in the center of the oven; preheat to 450°F. Fill a medium pot 3/4 of the way up with salted water; cover and heat to boiling on high. Wash and dry the broccoli. Cut off and discard the bottom 1/2 inch of the stem; cut the broccoli into small florets. Roughly chop the capers. Peel and roughly chop 2 cloves of garlic. Thinly slice the cheese. Roughly chop the peppers.

In a medium pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the chopped capers, oregano, and half the chopped garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until slightly softened. Add the tomato paste, 1/2 cup of water (carefully, as the liquid may splatter), and as much of the red pepper flakes as you’d like, depending on how spicy you’d like the dish to be. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, 2 to 3 minutes, or until combined and slightly thickened. Turn off the heat. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired.

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels; season with salt and pepper on both sides. Place in a small baking dish. Evenly top with the sauce and sliced cheese; season with salt and pepper. Bake 18 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chicken is cooked through.* If desired, turn your oven to the broil function; broil 2 to 4 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown (watching carefully, so it doesn't burn). Remove from the oven.

*The USDA recommends a minimum safe cooking temperature of 165°F for chicken.

Once the chicken has cooked about 10 minutes, add the pasta to the pot of boiling water. Cook, uncovered, 8 to 10 minutes, or until tender. Turn off the heat. Drain thoroughly and return to the pot.

Meanwhile, rinse and wipe out the pan used to make the sauce. In the same pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the broccoli florets in an even layer; season with salt and pepper. Cook, without stirring, 4 to 5 minutes, or until lightly browned. Add the remaining chopped garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until combined and slightly softened. Add 1/4 cup of water (carefully, as the liquid may splatter). Loosely cover the pan with foil and cook, stirring occasionally, 4 to 5 minutes, or until the liquid has cooked off and the broccoli is tender. Turn off the heat.

To the pot of cooked pasta, add the cooked broccoli, chopped peppers, crème fraîche, and a drizzle of olive oil. Stir to combine. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Serve the finished pasta topped with the baked chicken (including any sauce from the baking dish). Enjoy!