There is no heavy cream used in the preparation of this healthy penne alla vodka dish with chicken. My trick to making a creamy vodka sauce that tastes exactly as excellent as the original includes using roasted veggies that have been pureed. Each meal has 42 grams of protein, making it a high-protein food. Penne alla vodka is a traditional Italian dish that I felt compelled to duplicate at home, albeit with some modifications to make it more enjoyable. Instead of using cream, I substituted roasted zucchini and onion, both of which I blended into the sauce. To increase the amount of protein in this dish, I served it over protein pasta and put chicken breast on top.
This received a two-thumbs up from Tommy, who is known to order vodka sauce whenever he gets the chance. If you are looking for further recipes including vodka sauce, you might want to try this Spicy Vodka Chicken Parmesan or this Penne Alla Vodka with prosciutto and half. For the chicken breast, you will need six chicken cutlets that are thin. More recipes for chicken breasts can be found here. Salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning should be used to season the chicken before cooking this dish.
Onion and Garlic: Chop up one onion into pieces of half an inch in size and mash up six cloves of garlic.
In order to achieve a creamy consistency in the sauce, roasted zucchini is pureed.
The flavor of one onion can be enhanced by finely chopping it.
The vodka sauce may be seasoned with salt and pepper.
Crushed Tomatoes: Although I prefer Tuttorosso’s crushed tomatoes, you should get whatever the market has to offer.
Use either chicken or veggie broth for your soup.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese should be added to the sauce, and additional Parmesan cheese should be sprinkled on top of the pasta.
Toast the tomato paste by cooking it for a few minutes before adding the vodka. This will ensure that the tomato paste is properly toasted.
Red Pepper Flakes: To add a little bit of a kick to the sauce, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top.
The sauce should be made using a high-quality vodka, such as Tito’s, and should be used.
Basil: Bring the sauce to a simmer with a sprig of basil, and then garnish with additional basil.
My choice of pasta was Barilla protein pasta; however, gluten-free spaghetti can also do the trick.
Recipe for Penne alla Vodka with Chicken and How to Make It
This recipe for a healthier vodka sauce is absolutely creamy, yet it does not call for any heavy cream.
To make it, follow these steps:
Salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper should be used to season the chicken. Olive oil should also be used.
Cooking vegetables in the oven involves tossing the zucchini, onion, and garlic with oil, salt, and pepper, and then roasting them on a sheet pan until they are tender and browned.
To achieve a smooth consistency, blend the roasted vegetables with the crushed tomatoes, broth, and parmesan cheese.
For the pasta, bring salted water to a boil. Utilizing a grill pan, cook the chicken over high heat until it is completely cooked through.
Tomato Paste and Shallots: In a Dutch oven or a deep, big pan, sauté the minced shallot and salt until the vegetables are tender. Add the tomato paste and red pepper flakes, then continue to heat for a minute or two after stirring them in.
Turn off the gas stove or take the pot off the heat if you are using vodka. If you are using a gas stove. Once the vodka has been added, return the pot to the heat and scrape the bottom of the pan to remove any browned bits that may have accumulated. Cook until the majority of the liquid has been reduced. After that, let the mixture to simmer for five minutes while adding the pureed vegetables, basil, and black pepper.
Penne should be cooked until it reaches the al dente stage, as specified on the package. Prior to emptying the pot, set aside one cup of the water from the pasta.
Instructions on How to Serve: The basil sprig should be removed from the sauce, and if necessary, the water that was set aside should be added in small increments. After tossing the penne with the vodka sauce, divide the mixture among six soup bowls. Add chicken and parmesan cheese on the top of each one.
Variations
Buying boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cutting them vertically with scissors to form thin pieces is a good alternative to purchasing chicken cutlets if you are unable to locate them.
Alternately, you might substitute turkey sausage or Italian chicken for chicken.
Penne alla vodka for vegetarians: omit the grilled chicken from the recipe.
In the event that you do not possess Italian seasoning, you can substitute it with any dried herbs that you possess, such as basil, oregano, and parsley.
Add spinach to the vodka sauce. Vegetables have been added.
It is recommended that you use yellow squash in place of zucchini.
The dish can be made softer by omitting the red pepper flakes, or it can be made more spicy by adding more of them.
It is possible to substitute penne with any other type of short pasta, such as rotini, fusilli, or orecchiette. In addition, you have the option of using gluten-free or whole wheat pasta if you so desire. Dishes to Accompany Penne alla Vodka at the Table
Given that it contains both chicken and zucchini, this penne alla vodka can be considered a complete dinner on its own. On the other hand, if you prefer to serve it with a vegetable, here are some choices for a side dish:
Roasted asparagus, wilted spinach, and garlic are the ingredients in this Italian side salad.
A Storage Area for Garlic and Butter Mushrooms
The chicken penne alla vodka can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days if it is refrigerated in an airtight container. You could also put it in the freezer for up to three months, then thaw it in the refrigerator before heating it in the microwave until it is warm.
Questions and Answers Regarding Penne alla Vodka
In what form does the sauce for penne alla vodka come?
The sauce that is used to make penne alla vodka is principally composed of tomatoes, cream, and vodka. My recipe for a healthy vodka sauce does not call for heavy cream; rather, it makes use of a puree made from roasted vegetables to thicken the sauce and give it a lovely texture.
In order to make penne alla vodka, is it necessary to use vodka?
When compared to other creamy pasta recipes, penne alla vodka is distinguished by the presence of vodka. The flavor of the creamy tomato sauce is enhanced, and it becomes more cohesive as a result.
Is penne alla vodka a very alcoholic beverage?
It is safe for youngsters and others who do not use alcohol to consume the sauce because the alcohol is removed from it during the cooking process. If you would rather not cook with alcohol, you can substitute white wine for the vodka, or you can leave it out entirely. Either way, it’s going to turn out well!
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