Penne Alla Vodka

Penne Alla Vodka brings a little taste of Italy right to your kitchen. This creamy dish combines tender penne pasta with a velvety vodka sauce that’s bursting with flavor. The best part? It’s quick and beginner-friendly! Perfect for busy weeknights or those times when you want to impress friends or family. The combination of crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and a hint of vodka creates a sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta, making every bite a delight. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe will guide you step by step to create a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your home. Let’s not wait—grab your apron, and let’s bring this comforting recipe to life!

What is Penne Alla Vodka

Penne Alla Vodka is a creamy Italian pasta dish characterized by its rich flavor profile and delightful texture. The star of this dish is the vodka sauce, which combines crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and a hint of vodka, creating a luscious coating for the penne pasta. Typically, this dish can also include protein, such as chicken, making it a complete meal that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Penne Alla Vodka

This Penne Alla Vodka recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors, featuring a silky sauce that harmonizes the sweetness of tomatoes with the richness of cream. The addition of tender chicken thighs enhances the dish, making it a go-to for quick family dinners or entertaining guests. With its 30-minute preparation time and minimal fuss, it’s a delicious option for busy weeknights without compromising on taste.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, seasoned with
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 8 oz penne pasta (uncooked)
• 28 oz can San Marzano crushed tomatoes
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup vodka
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch red pepper flakes
• 8 basil leaves, torn

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Pasta

Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add a generous pinch of salt and the uncooked penne. Stir the pasta occasionally and cook until it’s about a minute under al dente. Before draining, be sure to reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Cook the Chicken

Next, let’s focus on the chicken! In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs, cooking for about 4 minutes on each side until they’re browned and cooked through. Once done, set the chicken aside to rest.

Sauté Shallots and Garlic

In the same skillet you used for the chicken, add a touch more olive oil over medium-low heat. Toss in the finely chopped shallot and cook until it turns translucent, which takes about 5 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook these together until the garlic becomes fragrant.

Create the Vodka Sauce

Now it’s sauce time! Add the tomato paste into the skillet, allowing it to cook for a few minutes until it deepens to a red color. Pour in the vodka next, letting it reduce by half. In this step, the alcohol will evaporate, enhancing the sauce’s flavor.

Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Bring in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and fresh basil. Stir well and bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Partially cover the skillet and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep everything well combined.

Combine Chicken and Pasta

While the sauce simmers, slice the cooked chicken into small strips or cubes. Then, stir the heavy cream into the sauce, followed by the penne and the chicken. Mix everything well and let it cook together for an additional minute. Don’t forget to stir in the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, and make sure to taste for seasoning before serving.

Serve and Enjoy

Finally, plate that creamy Penne Alla Vodka! Add a few additional fresh basil leaves on top for garnish if you like. Serve it hot, and get ready to enjoy this delightful meal!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside a crisp mixed greens salad for a refreshing contrast.
• Pair with garlic bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
• Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley can really brighten the dish up.

Tips for Success

• Ensure to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
• Remember that you reserved pasta water! Use it to adjust the sauce consistency if it feels too thick.
• Don’t skip the vodka; it truly enhances the flavors, making the sauce more complex and delicious.

Variations

• If you’re not into chicken, feel free to substitute it with shrimp or sausage for a different protein twist.
• For a veggie-packed version, skip the meat and add sautéed vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
• If you’re in a spicy mood, throw in additional red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for the extra kick.

Storage Tips

• You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth. This helps to restore that creamy texture.

Pairing Ideas

• A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with the richness of the dish.
• For a non-alcoholic option, consider serving it with sparkling water and a squeeze of lemon.

FAQs

1. Can I use other pasta shapes?
Absolutely! While penne is traditional, feel free to switch it up with any pasta shape you prefer.

2. Is Penne Alla Vodka suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This dish reheats marvelously, making it perfect for meal prepping.

3. Can I freeze Penne Alla Vodka?
Yes, you can freeze it. Just thaw it in the fridge before reheating on the stovetop.

4. What can I use instead of vodka?
If you’d rather skip the vodka, you can substitute it with chicken broth for a similar base flavor.

5. How spicy is this dish?
You can adjust the spice level based on how much red pepper flakes you add, so feel free to make it as mild or spicy as you like.

Penne Alla Vodka is more than just a comforting pasta dish; it’s an experience that warms the heart. Whether you enjoy it on a cozy weeknight or with friends during a gathering, its creamy texture and flavorful sauce will leave everyone asking for seconds. With the ability to customize this recipe to fit your tastes, you’ll find it becomes a beloved family favorite in no time. Enjoy every delicious bite!

More Easy Lunch & Dinner Recipes:

• Apricot Chicken
• Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
• Twice Baked Potato Casserole
• Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Penne Alla Vodka

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Penne Alla Vodka offers a creamy, comforting taste of Italy. This easy-to-make dish features tender penne pasta enveloped in a luscious vodka sauce, perfect for any occasion.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, seasoned with
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 8 oz penne pasta (uncooked)
• 28 oz can San Marzano crushed tomatoes
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup vodka
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch red pepper flakes
• 8 basil leaves, torn

Instructions

• Boil water with salt and cook penne until a minute under al dente, reserve pasta water, then drain.
• In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook chicken for 4 minutes per side until cooked through, then set aside.
• Sauté shallot in the same skillet until translucent, then add garlic and red pepper flakes.
• Stir in tomato paste and cook until red, then add vodka and reduce by half.
• Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, and basil, simmer for 10 minutes.
• Slice chicken and mix with heavy cream, penne, and chicken into the sauce, cook for an additional minute.
• Plate the dish with fresh basil for garnish and serve hot.

Notes

Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
Including vodka elevates the sauce’s flavor; do not skip it.

• Author: Rachael
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 6
• Sodium: 700
• Fat: 30
• Saturated Fat: 15
• Unsaturated Fat: 10
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 55
• Fiber: 4
• Protein: 25
• Cholesterol: 100