Chicken and Sausage Stew

Step 1

Place the chicken and water in a Dutch oven; bring to a boil. Skim off fat. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 30-45 minutes or until chicken is tender. Meanwhile, puncture skins of sausages; place in a small saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil; cook for 20-30 minutes or until no longer pink. Drain. In a large skillet, brown sausages on all sides. Cool and cut into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2

In small skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels; drain, reserving 2 tablespoons drippings. Crumble bacon and set aside. In the drippings, saute garlic until tender.

Step 3

Remove chicken from Dutch oven; cool. Drain broth; skim off fat. Reserve 5 cups broth. Remove chicken from bones; cut into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4

Pour reserved chicken broth into the Dutch oven. Add the chicken, sausage, bacon, garlic, parsley and oregano. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato sauce, macaroni, salt and pepper; simmer 10 minutes longer or until heated through. If desired, sprinkle with additional parsley.