Chicken Alla Vodka Pasta Recipe

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Chicken Alla Vodka Pasta is a delicious fusion of tender chicken, creamy vodka sauce, and al dente pasta. It offers a rich, indulgent meal with a subtle kick from the vodka, balanced by the creaminess of the sauce and the tenderness of the chicken. This comforting dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or even for impressing guests.

Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni work best)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup vodka
  • 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Method:

  1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 6-7 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent (about 4-5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. Deglaze with Vodka: Carefully pour in the vodka, and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce by half. The alcohol will evaporate, leaving behind a slight tangy flavor.
  5. Add Tomatoes and Cream: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and bring the sauce to a simmer. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce cook for another 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  6. Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese, stirring until everything is well combined and heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, if desired.
  7. Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.

Variations & Tips:

  1. Swap the Protein: Try using shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist. You can also make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the chicken altogether and adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
  2. Use Different Pasta: While penne or rigatoni are the traditional choices, this sauce works great with other pasta types, like fettuccine, farfalle, or even spaghetti.
  3. Adjust the Vodka: If you prefer a lighter vodka flavor, reduce the amount to 1/4 cup, or if you want it bolder, increase to 3/4 cup (be sure to cook the alcohol off thoroughly).
  4. Make it Spicy: For an extra kick, increase the red pepper flakes, or add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
  5. Add Some Greens: Toss in some fresh spinach or kale toward the end of cooking for a bit of color and added nutrients.
  6. Storing & Reheating: This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may want to add a splash of cream or water to bring back the sauce’s creaminess.

Conclusion:

Chicken Alla Vodka Pasta is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines the richness of cream with the tang of tomatoes and the subtle bite of vodka. It’s a flexible recipe that can be easily adjusted to suit your taste, whether you like it spicy, creamy, or loaded with veggies. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish will surely become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

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