Fiery Penne Alla Vodka: A Spicy Chicken Twist on a Classic

Penne alla vodka is a beloved Italian-American pasta dish known for its creamy, tomato-based sauce, often enriched with a touch of vodka. This recipe elevates the classic by adding a fiery kick and incorporating tender, flavorful chicken. The result is a truly satisfying and unforgettable meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This Spicy Chicken Penne Alla Vodka recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delicious balance of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works for several reasons:

• Balanced Flavors: The sweetness of the tomato sauce is perfectly balanced by the heat from the chili flakes and the richness of the cream. The vodka enhances the flavors and adds a subtle complexity.
• Tender Chicken: Searing the chicken first seals in the juices, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful pieces.
• Creamy Texture: The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a luxuriously smooth and creamy sauce that coats the penne perfectly.
• Easy to Customize: You can easily adjust the spice level to your preference and add other vegetables to suit your taste.
• Impressive Yet Simple: While the dish looks and tastes impressive, it’s relatively easy to make and doesn’t require any fancy techniques.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Penne Pasta: 1 pound. Penne’s ridges hold the sauce beautifully, but you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or ziti.
• Chicken Breast: 1.5 pounds, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces. Chicken thighs can also be used for a richer flavor.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing.
• Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped. Yellow or white onion works well.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Freshly minced garlic is essential for the best flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1-2 teaspoons, adjust to your spice preference.
• Tomato Paste: 1/4 cup. Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
• Vodka: 1/2 cup. Use a good quality vodka. It helps to release the flavors of the tomatoes and adds a subtle sweetness.
• Crushed Tomatoes: 28 ounces (one large can). Use good quality crushed tomatoes for the best flavor. San Marzano tomatoes are a great choice.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup. Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated, plus more for serving. Freshly grated Parmesan is always best.
• Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup, chopped, for garnish. Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the dish.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
• Optional: 1/4 cup chicken broth (if sauce becomes too thick)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater for Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Spicy Chicken Penne Alla Vodka:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan). Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-5 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This will help to deepen the flavor of the sauce. Carefully pour in the vodka and scrape the bottom of the skillet to deglaze, releasing any browned bits. Let the vodka simmer for 1-2 minutes, until slightly reduced.

Step 6: Add Tomatoes and Simmer

Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water or chicken broth to thin it out.

Step 7: Finish the Sauce

Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 8: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the chicken, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the pan and result in steamed chicken rather than seared chicken.
• Use Good Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the flavor of the dish. Use good quality crushed tomatoes, fresh Parmesan cheese, and good quality vodka.
• Don’t Skip the Vodka: While you can technically make penne alla vodka without vodka, it really does enhance the flavor of the sauce. The alcohol evaporates during cooking, leaving behind a subtle sweetness and complexity.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference. If you like a milder dish, use less red pepper flakes. If you like it extra spicy, use more.
• Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is a valuable addition to the sauce. It helps to thicken the sauce and create a creamy emulsion.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta until al dente, meaning it should be firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the sauce.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant.
• Seafood: Substitute the chicken with shrimp or scallops.
• Spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.
• Creamier: Add an extra splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese to the sauce.
• Cheese: Use a combination of Parmesan cheese and Pecorino Romano cheese.
• Pasta: Use a different type of pasta, such as rigatoni, ziti, or fusilli.
• Vegetables: Add other vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Chicken Thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for a richer, more flavorful dish.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free option. You may need to add a little lemon juice for brightness. Skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
• Healthier: Use whole wheat pasta and reduce the amount of heavy cream. You can also add more vegetables to increase the nutritional value.

Serving Suggestions

This Spicy Chicken Penne Alla Vodka is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it a complete meal:

• Side Salad: Serve with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Garlic Bread: Offer warm garlic bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
• Wine Pairing: Pair with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce before adding the cooked pasta and chicken.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

Freezing: While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the pasta and sauce may change upon thawing. If you do freeze it, allow it to thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating. It’s best to freeze the sauce separately from the pasta for best results.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Calories: Approximately 600-700 per serving
• Protein: 40-50g
• Fat: 30-40g
• Carbohydrates: 50-60g

FAQ

Q: Can I make this dish without vodka?

A: Yes, you can omit the vodka, but it does add a unique flavor to the sauce. If you skip the vodka, you may want to add a splash of chicken broth or white wine to deglaze the pan.

Q: How can I make this dish less spicy?

A: Reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the heat.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A: Yes, you can use other hard cheeses such as Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano.

Q: Can I use canned diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes?

A: Yes, but the texture of the sauce will be slightly different. If using diced tomatoes, you may want to blend the sauce with an immersion blender for a smoother consistency.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini.

Conclusion

This Spicy Chicken Penne Alla Vodka is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy, spicy sauce and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a new favorite. So gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable meal!