Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices or lengthy prep time? Then look no further! This creamy, dreamy Chicken Alla Vodka recipe is your answer. It's one of those easy recipes that feels incredibly decadent yet comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. It's a delicious dish, a healthy meal option, and undeniably one of the best recipes for satisfying your pasta cravings. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this homemade cooking masterpiece!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup vodka (optional, but adds a lovely depth of flavor)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 pound pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or penne work well)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, vodka (if using), oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Return the chicken to the skillet. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the chicken is heated through.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Add vegetables: Include sauteed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream to reduce the fat content.
- Boost the flavor: A tablespoon of tomato paste added with the onions will deepen the tomato flavor.
- Leftovers: This dish is even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500 (depending on pasta type and portion size)
- Protein: ~30g
- Fat: ~25g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
This Chicken Alla Vodka recipe is a quick dinner idea that's both satisfying and delicious. It's a perfect example of how homemade cooking can be easy, healthy, and incredibly flavorful. Enjoy this easy recipe and discover a new family favorite!