Penne alla Vodka with Grilled Chicken
This recipe for penne alla vodka with grilled chicken is inspired by Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, and it’s my daughter’s favorite pasta. I adore this meal and I couldn’t resist adding some touches of my own to make it absolutely perfect. The grilled chicken in this dish makes it hearty and satisfying. Plus, the creamy vodka sauce comes alive as an added component to the taste of the chicken. It’s too good not to share!
Pasta dishes are among my favorites because they are relatively easy to whip up on short notice despite having a wide range of potential ingredients and flavors. You usually just have to prepare the pasta per the box instructions while you prep the rest and then toss everything together. The chicken in this takes a little bit more care than if you were to just make pasta with no added protein, but the added labor is well worth it when you pull all the fantastic components of this vibrant and tasty dish together. Penne Alla Vodka with Grilled Chicken may become a regular staple in your weekly rotation or at least a go-to recipe on pasta nights.
Top this dish with freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best results. You know how much to add. Whenever you think it’s enough, take just that little bit more. Nobody’s judging.
Does the alcohol from vodka sauce evaporate during cooking?
Yes! This recipe uses such a small amount of vodka that when cooked thoroughly, it should evaporate completely. That’s why this penne alla vodka recipe with chicken is safe for children. Also, you do not have to worry about whether it’s safe to drive after eating this delicious pasta dish.
A note about cooking with alcohol: Penne alla Vodka with Grilled Chicken does use vodka in the preparation of its sauce. Please use all necessary precautions whenever you cook with alcohol. It is highly flammable and can result in burns or lead to indirect injuries if you are not careful while using it. If something catches fire, don’t panic. If you have children who frequently run around the kitchen while you cook, you might want to set some ground rules before you prepare this dish.
What other pasta goes well with vodka sauce?
You may use this vodka sauce recipe with all kinds of pasta such as:
- Rigatoni
- Gnocchi
- Farfalle or bow tie
Penne alla Vodka with Grilled Chicken
Serves 6
Prep and cooking time: 30 min
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 or 450 gr penne pasta
- 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
Directions
- 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 F. 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.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. My family usually devours this pasta alla vodka with grilled chicken and I would love to know if you make this recipe! Tag me on social media if you do @jeannettekaplun.
Easy penne alla vodka with grilled chicken
Penne alla vodka with chicken is always a great idea! The creamy sauce is easy to make and goes so well with pasta.
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.
More delicious pasta recipes
- Easy Stuffed Pasta Shells
- The Easiest Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Bow Tie Pasta
- Delicious Cheesy Chicken-Stuffed Pasta Shells
