Cheesy Baked Chicken Penne alla Vodka

Prep Steps

• 2 tbsp fresh basil {do:chop}

Cook the Pasta

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 2 minutes short of the package time, then drain...

• 1 lb penne pasta

Sear the Chicken

Season on both sides...

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt{tip:We test with Morton kosher salt. Using table salt? Use about 3/4 as much. Diamond Crystal? Use about 1 1/2 times as much.}
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

In a 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, heat...

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Sear the chicken until golden and it reaches 165°F, 5–6 minutes per side. Rest 5 minutes on a cutting board, then slice into strips or bite-size pieces.

The Vodka Sauce

Option: Jarred Vodka Sauce {id:sauce.jar}

One 24 oz jar is just right.

Pour into the skillet over low heat, scraping up the browned bits...

• 1 jar (24 oz) vodka sauce

Option: Homemade Vodka Sauce {id:sauce.home, preptime:+5, cooktime:+25, cal:+190, protein:+3, carbs:+4, fat:+18, sodium:-240}

Silky and rich. Makes about 3 cups, exactly what this needs.

Wipe out the skillet, then melt over medium-low heat...

• 1/4 cup butter

Add and cook, stirring occasionally, until very soft and translucent without browning, about 10 minutes...

• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes

Stir in and cook until darkened and fragrant, 2–3 minutes...

• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

Pour in, scraping up any browned bits, and simmer 1 minute...

• 1/4 cup vodka

Add, then crush thoroughly with a potato masher...

• 1 can (14 oz) whole peeled tomatoes, with juices

Cover and simmer 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Lower the heat and stir in until warm...

• 1 cup heavy cream

Turn off the heat, wait 1 minute, then whisk in until silky...

• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Note: Vodka helps the sauce stay smooth. To skip it, use 1/4 cup pasta water and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Combine & Bake

Fold the penne into the sauce until coated, then arrange the chicken over the top. Sprinkle evenly with...

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly and lightly golden, 8–10 minutes, or broil 2–3 minutes. Garnish with...

• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

Serve hot.