This delicious and tender Penne alla Vodka with Grilled Chicken is a wonderful Italian-American pasta dish that can be made as a simple weeknight dinner or served as a special meal. The pink sauce is creamy but bright and loaded with flavor.
This recipe has chewy penne and smoky grilled chicken. The recipe is easy to follow and can be made in no time. You may already have the ingredients in your house and the rest can be found at your local grocery store. Be sure to write this recipe down for a restaurant-style meal.
What Can I Use Instead of Vodka in The Sauce?
The vodka in the sauce is what really adds that nice and incredible kick to this dish. However, if you decide you want the vodka out and something to substitute, that’s fine. White wine works well and adds a fruity taste to the dish. Beer can also be used, giving the dish a hoppy, malty taste. If you’d prefer to avoid all alcohol, you can use water and lemon juice, tomato juice, or chicken broth.
What Goes with Penne alla Vodka?
Some wonderful choices would be sautéed vegetables in Country Crock® Spread then sprinkled with a touch of Italian seasoning yields a flavorful, wholesome and simple-to-prepare side dish. Or a side salad with homemade house dressing; the freshness of the salad will complement the richness of the pasta sauce. Of course, you can also make some homemade and delicious garlic bread. Breaded zucchini slices are another option, which can be dipped into the pasta sauce.
Prep Time: 20 min.
Cook Time: 45 min.
Serves: 6
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp salt, divided
- ½ tsp black pepper, divided
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast, pounded to an even thickness or butterflied
- 1 lb penne
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 cup vodka
- 14 oz crushed tomatoes
- ⅛ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Rub chicken breasts on all sides using 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle with half of the salt and black pepper.
- Place chicken on the grill and cook without moving for 3 minutes or until the edges begin to turn white. Turn the chicken 90 degrees and continue to cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the chicken and for 3 minutes before turning another 90 degrees and cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Allow the chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes. Slice before serving.
- Meanwhile, cook penne according to package directions. Drain well.
- As the pasta and chicken cook, prepare the vodka sauce.
- In a large (12-inch) skillet over medium heat, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Allow the butter to melt and then add the garlic and onion and cook until the onion is softened.
- Carefully add the vodka to the skillet (being aware of any open flames) and bring to a boil. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and remaining seasonings.
- Reduce the heat to the lowest setting and stir in the heavy cream.
- Add the penne to the skillet and carefully toss in the sauce. Serve topped with grilled chicken and grated parmesan cheese.
FAQs
Let it rest (the chicken, I mean). Doing so will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Also, ensure you are cooking it to 165 F. Last, try cooking it covered. That can help keep in the moisture.
Nope. The alcohol actually evaporates from the heat as the sauce simmers. So you get the taste without the alcohol.
If the vodka taste is too strong for you, either cut down on the amount of vodka you’re using or let the sauce simmer longer. Sample it as it cooks until the right taste has been achieved.
How To Store Penne Alla Vodka
Let the penne cool to room temperature then put it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it. Put it in an airtight container THEN put it in a bag. It should keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight or use the ‘defrost’ setting on your microwave. You can either warm it up in a saucepan on the stove at medium heat or bake it at 350 F for 25-30 minutes.
More Pasta Recipe Ideas:
Italian Sausage, Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Classic Baked Penne Pasta with Ricotta Recipe
Incredibly Easy One Skillet Pizza Pasta
Penne alla Vodka with Grilled Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 teaspoon salt divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper divided
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breast, pounded to an even thickness or butterflied
- 1 pound penne
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 onion finely diced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup vodka
- 1 14 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Rub chicken breasts on all sides using 2 tablespoons olive oil. Sprinkle with half of the salt and black pepper.
- Place chicken on the grill and cook without moving for 3 minutes or until the edges begin to turn white. Turn the chicken one-quarter turn and continue to cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the chicken and for 3 minutes before turning one-quarter turn and cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Allow the chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes. Slice before serving.
- Meanwhile, cook penne according to package directions. Drain well.
- As the pasta and chicken cook, prepare the vodka sauce.
- In a large (12-inch) skillet over medium heat, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Allow the butter to melt and then add the garlic and onion and cook until the onion is softened.
- Carefully add the vodka to the skillet (being aware of any open flames) and bring to a boil. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and remaining seasonings.
- Reduce the heat to the lowest setting and stir in the heavy cream.
- Add the penne to the skillet and carefully toss in the sauce. Serve topped with grilled chicken and grated parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
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