Description
Discover a rich and creamy chicken penne pasta recipe. Simple, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts – 2 medium, boneless and skinless.
- Penne pasta – 12 oz.
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp.
- Garlic cloves – 3, minced.
- Crushed red pepper flakes – 1/4 tsp.
- Vodka – 1/2 cup.
- Tomato sauce – 1 cup.
- Heavy cream – 1 cup.
- Grated Parmesan cheese – 1/2 cup.
- Fresh basil – For garnish.
- Salt and pepper – To taste.
Equipment:
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon for stirring
Instructions
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked through.
[Tip]: Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s cooked safely.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Once cool enough to handle, slice or cube the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 10 minutes.
Drain the pasta and set it aside.
In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the vodka and allow it to cook down for 2-3 minutes, reducing by half.
[Pro Tip]: Cooking down the vodka ensures that the sauce has the distinct flavor of vodka without the harsh alcohol taste.
Next, add the tomato sauce and stir to combine. Let this simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce is thick and creamy.
Add the cooked penne pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet with the vodka sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the creamy sauce.
[Final Touch]: Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
Transfer the chicken penne vodka pasta to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Chicken Penne Vodka Pasta
- Quality ingredients: Use high-quality tomatoes for your sauce and freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the vodka: The vodka helps to emulsify the cream and tomato, giving the sauce its smooth texture.
- Cook pasta al dente: This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
Variations of the Recipe
You can easily customize this dish to suit your preferences. Here are some ideas:
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for a meat-free option.
- Spicy Kick: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or even some sliced jalapeños for a spicy twist.
- Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free: Substitute whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to make this recipe healthier or suitable for dietary restrictions.
Nutrition
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 75g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g