Creamy Chicken Penne with Vodka Sauce

Indulge in a delightful dinner with this Chicken Penne with Vodka Sauce. It’s a symphony of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.

Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• For the Pasta:
  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
• For the Vodka Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup vodka
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water, then add the penne pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest. Once cooled slightly, slice the chicken into thin strips.
3. Make the Vodka Sauce:
   In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if using, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Deglaze with Vodka:
   Carefully pour in the vodka and let it simmer, reducing by half. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor.
5. Add Tomatoes and Cream:
   Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes to thicken slightly. Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream until fully incorporated. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Finish the Sauce:
   Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheese has melted into the sauce. Add the sliced chicken and cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat everything evenly in the creamy vodka sauce.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil leaves over the pasta just before serving. Serve hot with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Complement this rich and indulgent Chicken Penne with Vodka Sauce with a fresh Caesar salad or a simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Garlic breadsticks or a loaf of crusty Italian bread are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the luscious sauce. For a refreshing beverage pairing, consider a crisp white wine or a sparkling water with lemon.

This dish is a true pleasure to prepare and even more delightful to share. Your family will love the combination of flavors, and you’ll relish the joy of creating a meal that brings everyone to the table. Enjoy every delicious bite!