CHICKEN AND PASTA WITH A CREAMY VODKA SAUCE

Chicken and Pasta with a Creamy Vodka Sauce image

Provided by Andy Anderson !

Categories Chicken

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 15

6 oz dry penne pasta
2 medium chicken breasts, cut into 1/2 cubes, about 1 pound
1 Tbsp olive oil, extra virgin
1 Tbsp sweet butter, unsalted
4 medium green onions, chopped, just the white parts
1/2 medium green bell pepper, small dice
2 clove garlic, minced
2 oz vodka
20 oz tomato sauce, homemade, if possible
1 tsp salt, kosher variety
1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
4 oz mascarpone cheese
1/4 c whipping cream
chopped fresh parsley, for topping
parmesan cheese, for topping

Steps:

1. Gather your ingredients.
2. Add 3 quarts of water to a large pot, add a bit of oil, and bring to the boil.
3. Cook your pasta according to the package directions.
4. Drain the pasta, and reserve.
5. Place a sauté pan over medium heat, and add the oil and butter.
6. After the foaming subsides, add the chicken.
7. Sauté the chicken, stirring constantly, for about 2 to 4 minutes.
8. Add the garlic, onions, and green bell pepper, and continue to stir and sauté for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
9. Deglaze the pan with the vodka, and allow the liquid to reduce slightly, about 2 minutes.
10. Chef's Note: Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the brown bits on the bottom of the pan (called fonds).
11. Add the tomato sauce to the pan, and cook for an additional 10 to 12 minutes.
12. Chef's Note: I have never made this recipe with canned tomato sauce. I always use homemade. I recently posted a tomato sauce recipe: Basic Italian Starter Sauce. However, use whatever sauce you have.
13. As the sauce is simmering, season with salt and pepper... a bit at a time. Season and taste, season and taste; that's the way to go.
14. Add the mascarpone and the cream.
15. Stir until they are incorporated into the sauce.
16. Simmer for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.
17. Chef's Tip: Do not allow the mixture to come to a boil.
18. Add some of the pasta to a plate.
19. Add the chicken with the vodka sauce to the top, and top with Parmesan and parsley. Enjoy.
20. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.