Penne with Grilled Chicken & Rosé Sauc
This recipe aims for the charred chicken and creamy, reddish-orange sauce seen in the image.
Yields: 2 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
* For the Chicken:
* 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each), cut into 1-inch thick strips or cubes
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1/2 tsp paprika
* 1/4 tsp garlic powder
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* For the Pasta & Sauce:
* 8 oz penne pasta
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup tomato purée or crushed tomatoes
* 1/4 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
* (Optional: 1-2 tbsp vodka, for a true vodka sauce)
* 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
* 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* Garnish:
* Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
* Marinate/Season Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tbsp olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let sit while you prepare other ingredients.
* Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water.
* Grill Chicken: While pasta is cooking, heat a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until charred and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
* Make Sauce: In the same pan (or a separate large skillet), heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
* Add Tomatoes & Cream: Stir in the tomato purée/crushed tomatoes. If using vodka, add it now and let it simmer for a minute to cook off the alcohol. Stir in the heavy cream.
* Combine: Add the cooked penne to the sauce. Add 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water and the Parmesan cheese, stirring to combine. The sauce should coat the pasta nicely. If it’s too thick, add a little more pasta water. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
* Serve: Divide the pasta between plates. Top with the grilled chicken pieces and a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.
Enjoy your meal!