Vodka Pepper Chicken Recipes

CHICKEN PENNE ALLA VODKA

Steps:

• Follow package instructions to cook PENNE PASTA with SALT added to the water.
• Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid. Briefly rinse the pasta with cool water to stop it cooking, and set aside.
• Flatten CHICKEN BREAST to 1/2" thickness with a flat-sided meat tenderizer. Season with SALT and PEPPER.
• Heat OLIVE OIL in skillet over med-high heat. Add CHICKEN BREAST and sauté about 3-4 minutes each side until chicken is cooked through.
• Transfer chicken to a cutting board, cover, and rest.
• Continue heating skillet on med-high heat and add a splash of OLIVE OIL, if needed.
• Add ONION and GARLIC. Sauté until the onion is tender and slightly browned.
• Add VODKA and scrape the pan to release any browned bits to deglaze.
• Stir in CRUSHED TOMATOES, HEAVY CREAM, OREGANO, and CRUSHED RED PEPPER.
• Bring everything to a gentle boil. Then reduce heat to med-low and simmer about 10 minutes to thicken sauce, stirring as needed. This also cooks off the alcohol.
• Add COOKED PENNE to vodka sauce and allow to heat through, stirring as needed. Add splashes of the reserved pasta water as needed to adjust sauce consistency.
• Add PARMESAN CHEESE to the sauce, continue heating to incorporate, stirring as needed.
• Slice the cooked chicken into 1/2" thick pieces and add to the vodka sauce along with the COOKED CHICKEN BREAST.
• Stir everything together. Add SALT and PEPPER to taste.
• Serve warm garnished with chopped fresh OREGANO or parsley.
• To store, allow chicken pasta to cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container up to 5 days.

PENNE VODKA WITH HERBED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring frequently. Drain. Return to pot.
• Meanwhile, heat marinara sauce, tomatoes with juices, basil, vodka, and crushed red pepper in heavy large saucepan over medium heat until hot, about 5 minutes. Add shredded chicken and stir until heated through.
• Add sauce to pasta and toss. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to serving bowl. Sprinkle with cheese and serve.