This Chicken Vodka Pasta is a creamy treat that’s bursting with flavors! With tender chicken and a rich vodka sauce, it’s a cozy meal that’s perfect for dinner.
Trust me, once you have a bite, you’ll want to make it every week! I like to sprinkle some extra cheese on top because, let’s be real, cheese makes everything better! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: Penne is great for holding the sauce, but you could also use rigatoni or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep an eye on cooking times!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well, but thighs can add more flavor and juiciness. If you’re in a pinch, shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut!
Vodka: This ingredient helps enhance the flavors, but if you prefer to skip it, you can use more chicken broth or just add extra crushed tomatoes. No need to compromise on taste!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you could use half-and-half or even coconut cream if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds depth, but grated Pecorino Romano is a solid substitute if you want something tangier. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free option!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Chicken for This Dish?
Cooking the chicken perfectly makes a big difference in your dish. Start by heating the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for quicker cooking and even flavor.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper to help enhance its flavor.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and let it sear without stirring too much – this builds that nice golden crust.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink and has a nice color. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this ensures even cooking.
- Remove the chicken and let it rest. This step helps keep it juicy!
Chicken Vodka Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
For The Chicken:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For The Sauce:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes boiling the pasta and preparing the chicken, and the sauce takes about 15 minutes to cook. Quick, simple, and packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). When done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté The Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make The Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s softened, about 3 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 more minute until you can smell the garlic. Carefully pour in the vodka and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the alcohol to evaporate.
4. Add Tomatoes and Cream:
Next, stir in the crushed tomatoes and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine and Serve:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce. Now, add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped basil and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Enjoy your rich and creamy Chicken Vodka Pasta! Bon appétit!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne pasta is perfect for this dish, you can substitute it with other pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.
Is There a Substitute for Vodka in This Recipe?
If you prefer not to use vodka, you can replace it with more chicken broth or simply increase the amount of crushed tomatoes. The flavor will still be delicious without the vodka!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the sauce, add the pasta, and enjoy a fresh meal!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy texture and heat it gently on the stove or microwave.
