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Creamy Vodka Sauce Pasta with Tender Chicken

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A quick and easy homemade recipe featuring tender chicken and a rich, creamy vodka sauce tossed with pasta. Perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 340 g), sliced into thin strips
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup vodka (120 ml)
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 12 oz (340 g) penne or rigatoni pasta

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (10-12 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Season the sliced chicken breasts with 1 tsp paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
  3. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips in a single layer and cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tbsp butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until onions soften and garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  5. Pour in 1/2 cup vodka, stirring to deglaze the pan and loosen browned bits. Simmer for about 3 minutes to reduce slightly and cook off most alcohol.
  6. Add crushed tomatoes and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Stir and simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens and deepens in color.
  7. Lower heat and slowly stir in 1 cup heavy cream. Heat through without boiling to prevent curdling. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  8. Return cooked chicken to the sauce along with drained pasta. Toss gently, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if sauce is too thick, until pasta is luxuriously coated.
  9. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and serve immediately. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan.

Notes

Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Avoid boiling after adding cream to prevent curdling. Thinly slice chicken and cook just until done to keep it tender. Substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream for dairy-free option. White wine can replace vodka with reduced quantity.

Nutrition

Keywords: vodka sauce pasta, creamy pasta, chicken pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, homemade vodka sauce

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/creamy-vodka-sauce-pasta-with-tender-chicken-easy-homemade-recipe/