SERVES 4 to 6
TOTAL TIME: 40 minutes
If possible, use premium vodka; inexpensive brands will taste harsh in this sauce. Pepper-infused vodka can also be used here. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes as desired to increase or decrease the amount of spice.
|
2 |
tablespoons olive oil |
|
1 |
pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and sliced thin (click here) |
|
Salt and pepper |
|
|
1 |
onion, finely chopped |
|
1 |
tablespoon tomato paste |
|
3 |
garlic cloves, minced |
|
⅛–¼ |
teaspoon red pepper flakes |
|
1 |
(28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes |
|
⅓ |
cup vodka |
|
⅔ |
cup heavy cream |
|
1 |
pound penne |
|
3 |
tablespoons chopped fresh basil Grated Parmesan cheese |
1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking. Season chicken with salt and pepper and add to skillet in single layer. Cook without stirring until it begins to brown, about 2 minutes. Stir and continue to cook chicken through, about 4 minutes longer; transfer to bowl and cover.
2. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil, onion, and tomato paste to now-empty skillet and cook over medium heat until onion has softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in tomatoes and ½ teaspoon salt.
3. Off heat, carefully add vodka. Return pan to medium-high heat and simmer, stirring often, until alcohol flavor has cooked off, 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in cream and chicken with any accumulated juices and cook until warmed through, about 1 minute; remove from heat and cover.
4. Meanwhile, bring 4 quarts water to boil in large pot. Add pasta and 1 tablespoon salt and cook, stirring often, until al dente. Reserve ½ cup cooking water, then drain pasta and return it to pot. Stir in chicken mixture and toss to combine. Add reserved cooking water as needed to adjust consistency and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in basil and serve with Parmesan.
VARIATION
PENNE ALLA VODKA WITH SHRIMP
Substitute 1 pound extra-large shrimp (21 to 25 per pound), peeled and deveined, for chicken; cook as directed in step 1, reducing overall cooking time to 2 minutes.