Easy Pasta Penne with Creamy Vodka Sauce and Chicken

My daughter Brooke absolutely loves pasta with creamy rose sauce and I made it my mission to find one that she loves. This recipe originated from The Pioneer Woman. I added chicken as my family likes a little protein at suppertime. If you don't want to add vodka to the sauce you can substitute with chicken broth. I like this recipe because it makes a good quantity of sauce so when you reheat the leftovers it is still saucy and not dry. Omit the chicken if you like as it is tasty ether way.






Easy Pasta Penne with Creamy Vodka Sauce


1 pound Pasta (penne or fusilli)

1 pound chicken breast

1-2 Tablespoons Tex Mex seasoning

4 Tablespoons Olive Oil (divided)

2 Tablespoons Butter

1 whole Medium Onion, Chopped Finely

2 cloves (to 3 Cloves) Garlic, Chopped

3/4 cups (to 1 Cup) Vodka or Chicken broth

1 can (About 14 Oz.) Tomato Puree or tomato sauce

1 cup Heavy Cream

1 pinch Red Pepper Flakes

1/4 teaspoon (to 1/2 Teaspoon) Salt

Freshly Ground Black Pepper, To Taste

1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

Cook pasta according to package directions, being careful not to overcook.

Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Lay the chicken breasts on the pan and sprinkle chicken on both sides with about 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with Tex Mex seasoning. Bake in 375 degree oven until cooked through. Allow to rest for 15-20 minutes and then chop into bite size pieces. Set aside.


In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. When butter is melted, add in chopped onion and garlic. Stir and allow to cook for two minutes. Pour in vodka. Stir and cook for three minutes. Add in tomato puree and stir.


Reduce heat to low and stir in cream. Allow to simmer, being careful not to overheat. Stir in red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.


Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water in case sauce is too thick. Add cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce, tossing to combine. Splash in a little water if it needs it. Stir in Parmesan cheese.


Pour mixture into large serving bowl. Garnish with more Parmesan cheese.




Print Recipe:Easy Pasta Penne with Creamy Vodka Sauce and Chicken




Bake the chicken. Cut into bite size pieces. Set aside.




Boil noodles and remember to not over cook.


Saute onions and garlic in butter and olive oil until softened.




Turn off burner and add vodka. Then turn the heat up to medium high and cook for 3-5 more minutes.










Add tomato puree and turn heat down to medium low.




Add red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Stir.




Simmer for 5 more minutes.




Stir in cream. Reduce heat to low.






Taste sauce to ensure it is seasoned well.






Combine the pasta and the chicken into the sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.




Enjoy!