Chicken Penne Vodka Pasta Recipe
Treat yourself to the epitome of comfort food with my Chicken Penne Vodka Pasta recipe. This creamy and flavorful dish brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne, and a luxurious vodka sauce for a truly satisfying meal. Packed with lean protein, antioxidants, and healthy fats, it's not only delicious but also nutritious. Dive into this culinary delight today!
Equipment
- Large pot,
- Colander
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Spoon or whisk
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup vodka
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- ● Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the Chicken and Aromatics
- ● While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- ● Add the diced onion to the pan and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Deglaze and Build the Sauce
- ● Pour the vodka into the hot pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom (these add tons of flavor!). Let the vodka simmer for a minute or two, allowing the alcohol to cook off.
- ● Next, add the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season generously with salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Assemble and Serve
- ● Stir the cooked chicken back into the vodka sauce. Gently toss the drained penne pasta into the pan, coating it evenly with the sauce.
- ● Add a splash or two of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the consistency of the sauce.
- ● Serve the Chicken Penne Vodka Pasta immediately, topped with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs (optional).
Notes
This recipe is easily customizable to your liking. Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic, red pepper flakes, and cheese to suit your taste preferences.
So ditch the takeout menu and give this Chicken Penne Vodka Pasta a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both delicious and