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- 12 oz penne pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 pound chicken breast, cubed - Salt and pepper to taste - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped These ingredients form the heart of Chicken Penne Alla Vodka. The penne pasta holds the sauce well, while the chicken brings protein. Olive oil adds richness, and garlic gives a nice aroma. Crushed tomatoes make the sauce flavorful and vibrant. Heavy cream gives it that creamy texture we all love. Oregano and sugar balance the flavors. Finally, Parmesan cheese and fresh basil elevate the dish. - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes. They give the dish a nice kick. It’s a simple way to change the flavor profile, making it more exciting. - Large pot for boiling pasta - Large skillet for cooking chicken and sauce - Colander for draining pasta - Wooden spoon for mixing These tools make cooking easier. A large pot helps boil the pasta perfectly. A skillet is key for sautéing chicken and making the sauce. A colander helps drain pasta without mess. Lastly, a wooden spoon is great for mixing everything smoothly. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt to the water. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add 12 ounces of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes around 10-12 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander. Make sure to set it aside while you prepare the rest. Next, grab a large skillet. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Cut 1 pound of chicken breast into cubes. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a kick. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. You want it golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until you can smell the aroma. Now, pour in a 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes. Bring it to a simmer. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly and become rich and creamy. Finally, return the chicken to the skillet. Add the drained penne pasta and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything well until all the pasta is coated in the sauce. To get the chicken just right, choose fresh, boneless chicken breast. Cut it into small cubes. This helps it cook evenly. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Look for a nice golden brown color. Remove the chicken and set it aside to keep it juicy. When you cook the penne, make sure it’s al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. Drain the pasta but don’t rinse it. The starch helps the sauce stick. Combine the pasta with the sauce and cooked chicken in the skillet. Toss gently, so every piece gets coated. This way, you’ll have a creamy and flavorful bite each time. Timing is key for a great meal. Start cooking the pasta first. While it cooks, sauté the chicken. After that, prepare the sauce. This ensures everything is hot and fresh when it’s time to serve. Once you mix the pasta, chicken, and sauce, let it sit for a minute. This helps the flavors meld together. Serve right away for the best taste. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and garlic can significantly enhance the flavor of your dish. Whenever possible, opt for fresh over dried. Perfect Pasta Cooking: For the best pasta texture, cook it until al dente and remember to reserve a bit of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed. Balance the Flavors: Taste your sauce before serving. If it’s too acidic from the tomatoes, add a pinch more sugar to balance it out. Cheese Choices: While Parmesan adds great flavor, consider mixing in other cheeses like mozzarella or ricotta for a creamier texture. {{image_2}} You can easily make Chicken Penne Alla Vodka vegetarian. Instead of chicken, use cubed tofu or mushrooms. Both options add great texture. Tofu absorbs flavors well, while mushrooms bring an earthy taste. Cook them just like you would the chicken. You can switch up the sauce for new tastes. Try a spicy arrabbiata or a creamy alfredo. Each sauce gives a fresh spin on the dish. For a twist, mix vodka sauce with pesto for a vibrant green color and flavor. Boost your dish with more ingredients. Spinach, bell peppers, or peas add color and vitamins. You can also toss in artichoke hearts for a fun texture. These add-ins not only enhance flavor but also make the dish more filling. After you enjoy Chicken Penne Alla Vodka, save the leftovers. Let the dish cool down first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well. Store the container in the fridge. This way, your pasta stays fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Divide the pasta into single servings for easy thawing. Remove as much air as you can from the bags. Label them with the date and type of dish. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, reheating is key. For the best taste, use the stove. Pour the pasta into a skillet. Add a splash of cream or water to prevent drying. Heat it over medium heat, stirring often until hot. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the dish and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy your lovely meal again! You can use half-and-half. It gives a nice creaminess. If you want a lighter option, try whole milk. For a dairy-free choice, use coconut milk or cashew cream. Each option will change the flavor a bit. Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Bowtie or rigatoni work well too. Make sure to cook it al dente. This helps the pasta hold its shape and texture in the dish. Add more red pepper flakes for heat. You can also use fresh jalapeños. Another option is to include a dash of hot sauce in the sauce. Just adjust based on your heat preference. Enjoy experimenting! In this article, I shared how to make Chicken Penne Alla Vodka. We covered key ingredients and necessary tools to get started. I detailed the steps for cooking the pasta, sautéing chicken, and making the sauce. You also learned tips for perfecting texture and timing. I offered variations for vegetarians and ways to store leftovers. This dish is easy and tasty. I hope you enjoy making it and sharing it with friends and family. Your kitchen can be a fun place with this meal. Dive in and have fun cooking!

Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Penne

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring chicken, tomatoes, and fresh basil.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer.
  • Stir in the heavy cream, dried oregano, and sugar. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained penne pasta and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
  • Remove from heat and mix in the fresh basil. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

Serve the pasta in large bowls, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves on top for an appealing finish.
Keyword basil, chicken, creamy, pasta, tomato