BEST CREAMY PENNE ALLA VODKA WITH CHICKEN

Imagine twirling your fork through perfectly cooked penne, each piece coated in a luscious, creamy tomato sauce, studded with tender bites of chicken. This Creamy Penne Alla Vodka with Chicken isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. I promise, with this recipe, you’ll create a restaurant-worthy dish that even *you* will be impressed with!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Vodka Sauce:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/2 cup vodka
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb penne pasta
• Salt for pasta water
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is evenly coated.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Set aside.

Step 2: Build the Amazing Vodka Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it! Burnt garlic is no bueno!
3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. This helps to deepen the flavor and get rid of that “tinny” taste.
4. Pour in the vodka and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate. Don’t skip this step – it’s crucial for the flavor!
5. Add the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Cook the Penne to Perfection

1. While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The water *must* be salted!
2. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions, until al dente. Remember to reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining!
3. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the vodka sauce.

Step 4: Marry the Flavors

1. Add the cooked chicken to the skillet with the pasta and sauce.
2. Toss everything together, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if needed to achieve your desired consistency. The pasta water helps the sauce cling to the pasta!
3. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
2. Get ready for everyone to rave about your cooking skills!

Pro Tips and Variations for the BEST Creamy Penne Alla Vodka with Chicken

Spice it Up!

Want to add a little more heat? Increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Veggie Power!

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to this dish. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach would be delicious additions.

Make it Vegetarian!

Omit the chicken for a vegetarian version. You can also add some cooked chickpeas or white beans for added protein.

Cream Cheese Secret Weapon

For an extra creamy and tangy flavor, stir in 2-4 ounces of softened cream cheese into the sauce during the last few minutes of simmering. It adds a wonderful richness, similar to the Baked Cream Cheese Chicken, but in pasta form!

Wine Pairing Suggestions

A crisp Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied Chianti would pair beautifully with this Creamy Penne Alla Vodka with Chicken. The acidity of the wine will cut through the richness of the sauce.

Troubleshooting: Common Problems and Solutions

Sauce Too Thick?

If the sauce is too thick, add a little more reserved pasta water or heavy cream to thin it out.

Sauce Too Thin?

If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken. You can also add a tablespoon of tomato paste to help thicken it up.

Chicken Too Dry?

Be careful not to overcook the chicken. If it seems dry, you can add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to the skillet while it’s simmering.

Other Delicious Chicken Pasta Recipes You’ll Love!

If you’re a fan of creamy chicken pasta dishes, you should definitely check out my Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken (it’s a set-it-and-forget-it dream!), or the incredibly flavorful Coconut Lemon Chicken Alfredo. And if you want something quick and easy, the Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is always a winner. For another twist on this recipe, try the Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Or for a comforting bake try the Chicken Casserole Recipe.

Why This Recipe is a Winner

This Creamy Penne Alla Vodka with Chicken is a winner because it’s:

• Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even beginner cooks can master this dish.
• Versatile: You can easily customize it to your liking by adding different vegetables, spices, or proteins.
• Crowd-pleasing: This dish is always a hit with family and friends, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
• Comforting: The creamy sauce and tender chicken make this dish incredibly satisfying and comforting.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Culinary Creation!

Congratulations! You’ve just created a restaurant-quality Creamy Penne Alla Vodka with Chicken right in your own kitchen. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do, and I encourage you to experiment with different variations to make it your own. Happy cooking!