Are you craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices or lengthy prep time? Then look no further! This creamy chicken and vodka sauce recipe is your answer. It's a surprisingly easy dish to make, bursting with flavor, and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this simple yet sophisticated dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked pasta of your choice (linguine, fettuccine, or penne work well)
Instructions:
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Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, vodka, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the Parmesan cheese. Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Serve: Serve the creamy chicken and vodka sauce over your favorite cooked pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook it until it's just cooked through and still juicy.
- Use good quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the sauce will taste.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste: If you like a spicier sauce, add more red pepper flakes. If you prefer a richer sauce, add more heavy cream or Parmesan cheese.
- Make it ahead: This sauce tastes even better the next day! You can make it ahead of time and reheat it before serving.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Sauté some mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach with the onions for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Use different pasta: Try this sauce with other pasta shapes, like spaghetti, rotini, or farfalle.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce the fat content.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
This creamy chicken and vodka sauce recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy!