Penne alla Vodka with Chicken

Finding a scrumptious creamy and hearty pasta meal should lead you straight to Penne alla Vodka with Chicken because of its fantastic qualities. A traditional Italian-American recipe unites chicken breast with smooth vodka sauce and pasta penne to present an upscale dining experience from your kitchen. I attempted to prepare the Italian signature Penne alla vodka in my kitchen while making it less heavy by using different ingredients. During the preparation, I substituted cream with pureed onion and roasted zucchini. This dish received additional protein from chicken breast combined with protein pasta as its serving base.

Why You’ll Love Penne alla Vodka with Chicken

The vodka with tomatoes and cream mixture produces a smooth and flavorful sauce.
The meal packs protein because it includes chicken which provides substantial substance for a satisfying dinner.
The meal takes only 30 minutes to cook thus providing a quick easy dinner option for weeknights.
You can get a professional restaurant-quality taste at home since you do not need to order takeout anymore.

Ingredients

For the Pasta & Chicken:

12 oz (340g) penne pasta
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

For the Vodka Sauce:

2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ small onion, finely chopped
½ cup vodka
1 cup tomato puree (or crushed tomatoes)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp Italian seasoning
Fresh basil for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1: Cook the Pasta

Bring an extensive pot of water with salt to boil before adding penne pasta to cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
Save 1/2 cup of cooking water before draining the penne pasta and let it rest until ready for use.

2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
The chicken slices require a combination of salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes as seasoning.
Brown the chicken pieces until completion during 4-5 minutes of cooking over medium heat on each side. Remove and set aside.

3: Make the Vodka Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
Pour in vodka and let it simmer for 2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off.
Add tomato puree and cook for 5 minutes, stirring sometimes.
Make less the heat, and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Mix well.

4: Combine Everything

Return the chicken to the pan and add the cooked penne. Toss to coat everything in the creamy vodka sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, add some pasta water until it reaches your desired texture.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Supply hot and enjoy this delicious Penne alla Vodka with Chicken!
Dress with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.

Pro Tips

Use good-quality vodka – It enhances the sauce’s depth of flavor.
Don’t skip the pasta water – It helps the sauce cling to the pasta perfectly.
Adjust spice level – Add more red pepper flakes if you like extra heat.
Substitutions – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

If you love creamy pasta dishes, you’ll also enjoy Tortellini Pasta Carbonara, a delicious twist on the classic carbonara recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Penne alla Vodka without vodka?

Yes! The sauce maintains its creamy consistency even without vodka substitution since chicken broth or no addition results in delicious results.

2. What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

The best choice for this recipe includes boneless and skinless chicken thighs or breasts. The quick alternative for this recipe is cooked rotisserie chicken.

3. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or cream to keep the sauce creamy.

Final Thoughts

The Penne alla Vodka with Chicken serves as a simple yet upscale recipe which results in a comforting cream-based meal. Penne alla Vodka with Chicken presents a delicious combination of rich tomato-vodka sauce and tender chicken served with perfectly cooked pasta which makes it an absolute family favorite.