Spicy Chicken Penne alla Vodka: A Budget-Friendly Restaurant-Style Pasta Dish

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Are you craving a delicious and satisfying pasta dish that won’t break the bank? Look no further than this spicy chicken penne alla vodka recipe. This restaurant-style dish is not only budget-friendly but also incredibly flavorful. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep time, you can have a mouthwatering meal on the table in about half an hour. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of making this delectable dish and provide some tips and tricks to enhance its taste. So, let’s get started!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Ingredients
3. Directions
4. Nutrition Facts
5. Reviews
6. Photos of Spicy Chicken Penne alla Vodka
7. Variations and Tips
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
9. Conclusion
10. About the Author
11. References

1. Introduction

Penne alla vodka is a classic Italian pasta dish that combines penne pasta with a creamy tomato sauce infused with vodka. Our spicy chicken penne alla vodka recipe adds a delicious twist to this traditional dish by incorporating tender, flavorful chicken and a touch of heat with crushed red pepper flakes. The result is a perfectly balanced, restaurant-quality meal that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home.

2. Ingredients

To make this spicy chicken penne alla vodka recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1 shallot, minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 (28 ounce) can tomato puree
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons vodka
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 4 leaves basil, cut into very thin strips

3. Directions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare the spicy chicken penne alla vodka:

1. Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it uncovered, stirring occasionally, until it is tender yet firm to the bite. This usually takes about 11 minutes.
2. While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a deep cast iron skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle the chicken breasts with 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and 1/4 teaspoon of salt, reserving the rest of the seasoning for later use. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook it until it is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear. This typically takes about 5 minutes per side. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and keep it warm.
3. In the same skillet, cook and stir the minced shallot and garlic until they become fragrant, which usually takes about 45 seconds. Add the tomato puree, the remaining Italian seasoning, the remaining salt, and the crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Stir in the heavy whipping cream and vodka, allowing the flavors to meld together. Then, gradually add the shredded Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir until it is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
5. Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips and add them back to the skillet with the sauce. Drain the cooked penne pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss it with the sauce and chicken until well combined. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
6. Sprinkle the penne alla vodka with the julienned basil leaves for a fresh and aromatic touch. Serve the dish immediately and enjoy!

4. Nutrition Facts

Each serving of this spicy chicken penne alla vodka contains approximately:

• Calories: 408
• Fat: 15g
• Carbs: 47g
• Protein: 20g
• Sodium: 438mg
• Fiber: 5g

Please note that the nutrition facts may vary depending on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used. These values are based on a serving size of 1/5th of the recipe.

5. Reviews

We value feedback from our readers and would love to hear about your experience with this recipe. If you have prepared the spicy chicken penne alla vodka, please consider leaving a review to help others decide if this recipe is right for them. Your insights and suggestions are highly appreciated as they contribute to the improvement of our content.

6. Photos of Spicy Chicken Penne alla Vodka

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and we couldn’t agree more. Take a look at these mouthwatering photos of the spicy chicken penne alla vodka to get a visual sense of what you can expect from this delicious dish.

7. Variations and Tips

If you’re looking to put your own spin on this recipe or make some adjustments based on your dietary preferences or ingredient availability, here are some variations and tips to consider:

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version of this dish.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free penne pasta or substitute it with your preferred gluten-free pasta alternative.
• Heat Level: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your spice tolerance. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount, or omit it altogether.
• Creamy or Lighter Sauce: For a creamier sauce, increase the amount of heavy whipping cream. Alternatively, if you prefer a lighter sauce, reduce the amount of cream or use whole milk as a substitute.
• Garnish Ideas: Experiment with different garnishes such as chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To address some common queries about spicy chicken penne alla vodka, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions:

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe? A1: Absolutely! While penne is the traditional choice for this dish, you can substitute it with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, farfalle, or fusilli.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A2: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cook the pasta and chicken just before serving, then combine them with the sauce and heat everything together.

Q3: Can I freeze the leftovers? A3: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw the frozen dish overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q4: What can I serve with spicy chicken penne alla vodka? A4: This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

9. Conclusion

Spicy chicken penne alla vodka is a budget-friendly and flavorful twist on the classic Italian dish. With its creamy tomato sauce, tender chicken, and a hint of heat, this restaurant-style pasta dish is sure to impress your family and friends. By following the step-by-step instructions and incorporating your own variations, you can create a personalized version of this dish that suits your taste preferences. So, why not give it a try and savor the deliciousness of this homemade favorite?

10. About the Author

TheDailyGourmet is a passionate food enthusiast and experienced recipe developer. With a knack for creating mouthwatering dishes that are both delicious and budget-friendly, TheDailyGourmet shares their culinary expertise through engaging recipes and helpful tips. Follow TheDailyGourmet for more delightful recipes and inspiration to elevate your home cooking.