Penne a la Vodka w/ Breaded Chicken

Ingredients:

  • Penne

  • 2 tbsp of avocado oil

  • Canola oil for frying

  • Chicken breast

  • ½ tsp of salt

  • 1 tsp of black pepper

  • 1 tsp of garlic powder

  • 1 ½ tsp of italian seasoning

  • Panko breadcrumbs

  • 2 eggs

  • Flour

  • 1 shallot minced

  • 2 garlic cloves minced (1/2 tbsp of minced garlic)

  • 2/3 cup tomato paste

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 2 tbsp of unsalted butter

  • 3 tbsp of Vodka (cooking wine if you’re not 21+)

  • ½ cup grated parmesan

  • ½ cup pasta water

  • Salt & pepper to taste

  • Chopped basil for finish

Steps to follow:

  1. Begin by bringing a pot of water to a boil and adding salt & oil.

  2. Begin preparing the chicken. I recommend having 3 stations to make this easier. One for the flour, one for the breadcrumbs, and one for the eggs. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and italian seasoning. Then put the chicken in the egg, then the flour, then back in the egg before putting it into the breadcrumbs. Once your chickens are prepared, put them in the fridge safely (in tupperware) until we need them again.

  3. When your pasta is done drain out the water but save ½ cup of pasta water for the sauce.

  4. Now place a large skillet over medium heat and add the avocado oil and sauté the shallots and garlic for 4-5 minutes.

  5. Add the tomato paste and stir together until the paste turns a bright red color. Now add the vodka (or cooking wine) to deglaze all of this and stir together until it has evaporated.

  6. Now add the pasta water and stir together until smooth. Season this with salt & pepper. Now stir the heavy cream into the sauce and reduce the heat to medium low for about 3-4 minutes.

  7. Now before the next step using another skillet cover the bottom in the canola oil for frying the chicken and place it on medium-high heat.

  8. Now add in the butter and parmesan and continue to stir for about 3 minutes until its smooth and glossy. Add in your cooked pasta and toss together to cover the pasta nicely.

  9. Once the oil is sizzling add in the chicken for about 5 minutes each side. When they are done place them on a side plate to soak in the moisture. After a minute or so slice the chicken into strips.

  10. Serve the tossed pasta onto place and place the chicken strips on top. Lastly, top with basil and parmesan if you would like.

A plate of penne a la vodka topped with breaded and fried chicken cutlet, garnished with parsley, served on a white plate on a turquoise placemat on a granite table, with a glass of water in the background.