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- 2 cups penne pasta - 1 lb chicken breast, diced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream The heart of Chicken Penne Alla Vodka lies in its core ingredients. The penne pasta serves as a perfect vessel for the rich sauce. The diced chicken breast adds protein and a satisfying bite. Aromatics like onion and garlic bring depth to the dish. The crushed tomatoes create a robust base, while heavy cream adds that luxurious, creamy texture. - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes - Salt and pepper to taste Seasonings elevate your dish. Dried basil and oregano provide a classic Italian flavor. Crushed red pepper flakes add heat, which you can adjust to your liking. Salt and pepper round out the taste, ensuring every bite is balanced. - Fresh parsley, chopped - Grated Parmesan cheese A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens your dish. It adds color and freshness. Grated Parmesan cheese enriches the flavor, making each serving even more delightful. Together, these garnishes make your Chicken Penne Alla Vodka look as good as it tastes. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Boiling Process Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Add 2 cups of penne pasta to the boiling water. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. - Draining and Setting Aside Once the pasta is cooked, carefully drain it in a colander. Make sure to shake off any excess water. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce. - Heating the Olive Oil In a large skillet, pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat until it shimmers. This means it's ready for cooking. - Sautéing the Chicken Add 1 pound of diced chicken breast to the hot oil. Season it with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Cook it until the pieces are golden brown and fully cooked. Make sure to stir occasionally for even cooking. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. - Sautéing Onion and Garlic In the same skillet, add 1 small onion, finely chopped. Cook it for 2-3 minutes until it softens. Then, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Stir for about 1 minute to avoid burning. - Adding Crushed Tomatoes and Cream Pour in 1 can (15 oz) of crushed tomatoes. Then, add 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken slightly. - Incorporating Seasonings Add 1 teaspoon of dried basil and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. For some heat, add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. This is where the flavors really come alive! To make a thick sauce, use the right amount of heavy cream. Start with one cup. You can simmer it longer to get a thicker texture. If it's still thin, add a little grated cheese to help. Balancing flavors is key. Start with salt and pepper. Add dried herbs like basil and oregano. Adjust crushed red pepper flakes for heat. Always taste the sauce before serving. To keep chicken juicy, do not overcook it. Sauté it for about 5-7 minutes. Look for a golden brown color. This shows it's cooked well. Use safe cooking techniques. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Always wash your hands after handling raw chicken to avoid germs. Avoid overcooking the pasta. Cook it until it's al dente, or firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. To check if it's ready, taste a piece. If it has a slight bite, it's perfect. Drain it quickly and toss it with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: Always cook your penne pasta al dente to ensure it retains a slight bite, which enhances the overall texture of the dish. Flavor Boost: For an extra depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking. Creamy Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer before adding the pasta. This helps concentrate the flavors. Garnish Wisely: Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan not only enhance the presentation but also add a burst of freshness and richness to your dish. {{image_2}} For a tasty vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken with diced mushrooms or chickpeas. Both of these options add great texture and flavor. If you choose mushrooms, sauté them until they are golden. For chickpeas, you can use canned ones; just rinse and drain them before adding. To keep the creamy sauce rich, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You may want to add a bit more cream to maintain the same texture. Adding some fresh spinach or kale will also boost nutrition and flavor. To turn up the heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to one teaspoon or more. You can also add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for extra kick. Both options bring great flavor and a nice heat level to your dish. If you want a smoky flavor, consider adding some smoked paprika. This spice pairs well with tomato and cream, enhancing the dish's depth. Adding veggies is a great way to make this dish even more nutritious. You can use seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces. Sauté these veggies with the onion and garlic to soften them before adding the sauce. This way, they absorb all the yummy flavors. You can also roast the vegetables for a deeper flavor before mixing them into the dish. - Recommended Containers: Use airtight containers to keep the dish fresh. Glass or plastic containers work well. - How Long to Refrigerate: Store in the fridge for up to three days for the best taste. - Best Practices for Freezing: Let the dish cool before freezing. Divide it into portions for easy thawing. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. - Reheating Instructions: Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed. Stir often to keep it creamy. - Creative Uses for Leftovers: Use leftovers in a baked casserole. Mix with fresh veggies or add to a soup for extra flavor. - Reheating Tips: Reheat on the stove or microwave. Add a bit of water or cream to keep it moist. You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. They will make the sauce less rich but still creamy. For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk. It adds a hint of sweetness. Silken tofu blended until smooth can also work. If you prefer a nutty flavor, use cashew cream. Adjust your seasonings to ensure the dish stays balanced and tasty. This recipe has a mild heat from the crushed red pepper flakes. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less. If you want more heat, add extra flakes or even sliced jalapeños. If you prefer it milder, reduce the pepper flakes or leave them out altogether. Always taste your sauce as you go to find the perfect balance for your palate. Yes, you can use whole wheat penne pasta. It adds fiber and nutrients, making the dish healthier. Whole wheat pasta has a nuttier flavor and firmer texture. Cook it a bit longer than regular penne to get it just right. Keep in mind that the sauce may stick more, so be sure to toss it well with the sauce. Enjoy the added health benefits without losing the delicious taste! This blog post guides you through making Chicken Penne Alla Vodka. We covered key ingredients, including penne pasta, chicken, and tasty spices. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and helpful tips to perfect the creamy sauce. You learned about variations for vegetarians and spice lovers. Plus, I provided storage tips and helpful FAQs. Try this dish at home for a delicious meal. With practice, you’ll master it. Enjoy the process and share it with friends and family!

Creamy Chicken Penne Delight

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with chicken, tomatoes, and herbs.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups penne pasta
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring continuously to avoid burning.
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes, followed by the heavy cream. Stir to combine and let simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  • Add the dried basil, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and additional salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to incorporate the flavors.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, and add the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
  • Remove from heat and adjust seasoning if necessary. Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Adjust the red pepper flakes to taste for spice preference.
Keyword chicken, creamy, dinner, pasta