Chicken Penne alla VodkaThe first time I ever tried Penne alla Vodka was in New Jersey sometime during my undergrad years. My uncle took me to this local Italian place and it was there I also tried tortellini for the first time. I ordered the tortellini and he ordered the Penne alla Vodka. I think I was eating more of his dish than my own. To this day, that was the best and most authentic Penne alla Vodka I have ever had...
This recipe is a shortcut version to an original classic. It's a shortcut because we're using jarred Vodka Sauce. We're going to spice it up with just a few ingredients for a simple, yet delicious, homemade version that everyone will enjoy. |
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There are several brands of Vodka sauce out there to choose from. Pick a brand that you like and go from there. In this recipe, I'm using the Gia Russa brand. I've also used Mario Batali as well as Bertolli with excellent results. Using grilled chicken is also the main component that makes this dish packed with flavor. As I'm posting this recipe, I am just now realizing that my final dish picture doesn't show the chicken. But believe me, there's chicken in there! Give this one a try and let me know what you think.
Ingredients:
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1 jar Vodka Sauce
1 lb. Chicken Breast 1 box Penne (16 oz.) 2 – 4 tbsps. Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 pint Heavy Whipping Cream 1 – 2 tsps. fresh Basil, chopped 1 tsp. dried Oregano 3 - 4 tbsps. shredded Parmesan 2 Garlic Cloves, minced 1 small Onion, diced Sea Salt to taste Ground Black Pepper to taste |
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Directions:
1. Clean 1 pound worth of chicken breast according to the “Cleaning Chicken” page and pat dry. Depending on the size and thickness of the breast, butterfly it into thinner pieces. This was a large chicken breast and I was able to slice it into 4 pieces.
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2. Add fresh ground sea salt and black pepper to both sides of each chicken piece.
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3. In a grilling pan on high heat, spray a little non-stick cooking spray. Once it reaches temperature, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the pan. Cooked the first side for 3 – 5 minutes, depending on the thickness.
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Flip and cook for another 2 – 4 minutes. Avoid overcooking to prevent it from getting dry. Remove from heat and set chicken breasts aside. You want the chicken slightly undercooked since it will be cooked further in upcoming steps.
*As an alternative, I highly recommend grilling the chicken on an open flame grill. The flavor will be even greater.
*As an alternative, I highly recommend grilling the chicken on an open flame grill. The flavor will be even greater.
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4. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions. (Don't forget to salt the water!) Drain pasta, return to pot, drizzle about 2 tbsps. of extra virgin olive oil, mix thoroughly, and set aside.
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5. Finely chop about 2 tsps. worth of fresh basil. Set aside.
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6. Once grilled chicken has slightly cooled, slice into strips or dice into cubes (your choice) and set aside.
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7. In a large pot, add 2 tbsps. of extra virgin olive oil, 1 small diced onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir ingredients and sauté on medium high heat for about 2 – 3 minutes.
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8. Add the chicken to the pot and mix to combine. Sauté for an additional 3 – 5 minutes (or until chicken has completely cooked through).
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9. To the pot, add 1 complete jar of Vodka Sauce (choice of your preferred brand), 1 pint of heavy whipping cream, 3 tbps. Shredded Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp. oregano, and the chopped basil.
*Optional – I usually like to get every bit of sauce from my pasta sauce jars. I do this by adding ¼ - ½ cup of water to the emptied jar. I close the lid, shake it up and pour the liquid into the pot.
Stir all the ingredients well to fully incorporate. Sample the sauce and add additional salt to taste (use table salt until it reaches your desired flavor). When it comes up to a light boil, reduce the heat to medium or medium low and allow the sauce to simmer for up to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
*Optional – I usually like to get every bit of sauce from my pasta sauce jars. I do this by adding ¼ - ½ cup of water to the emptied jar. I close the lid, shake it up and pour the liquid into the pot.
Stir all the ingredients well to fully incorporate. Sample the sauce and add additional salt to taste (use table salt until it reaches your desired flavor). When it comes up to a light boil, reduce the heat to medium or medium low and allow the sauce to simmer for up to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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10. You have two ways of serving this:
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Serves 6 - 8
What do you think of this recipe? Which Vodka Sauce brand do you prefer?
Let me know and comment below!
Let me know and comment below!