Creamy Chicken & Penne alla Vodka Casserole with Peas

 

Creamy Chicken & Penne alla Vodka Casserole with Peas

Creamy Chicken & Penne alla Vodka Casserole with Peas is a comforting baked pasta dish that mixes gentle hen, penne pasta, sweet peas, and a rich tomato-vodka cream sauce. This recipe transforms the traditional Italian-fashion penne alla vodka into a hearty casserole that is best for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep. The creamy sauce coats every piece of pasta at the same time as melted cheese creates a golden, bubbly topping.

Ingredients

350 g penne pasta

2 cups cooked bird breast, diced or shredded

1 cup snow peas (fresh or frozen)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

three cloves of garlic, minced

1½ cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes

½ cup heavy cream

¼ cup vodka

1 teaspoon chili flakes (optionally available)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta.

Bring a massive pot of salted water to a boil and prepare dinner, the penne pasta, according to bundle instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Slightly undercooking the pasta facilitates preventing it from turning too smooth after baking.

2. Prepare the sauce.

Heat olive oil in a massive skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for approximately 3–4 mins until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and prepare dinner for every other 30 seconds till aromatic.

Pour in the vodka and let it simmer for approximately 2 mins. This step helps cook off the alcohol while leaving behind its subtle taste that complements the sauce.

Add the tomato sauce, chili flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for five minutes to allow the flavors to combine. Reduce the warmth and stir inside the heavy cream till the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

3. Combine components

Add the cooked bird and green peas to the sauce and blend properly. Then stir in the cooked penne pasta, making sure that the pasta is frivolously lined with the creamy vodka sauce.

Four. Assemble the casserole.

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese lightly over the top.

Five. Bake

Place the casserole within the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 mins, or till the cheese is melted, bubbly, and gently golden.

6. Garnish and serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for approximately 5 mins. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top before serving.

Tips

Rotisserie chicken works excellent for saving time.

If you opt for a thicker sauce, upload a little more Parmesan cheese.

For greater taste, sauté mushrooms or spinach with the onions.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy chicken and penne casserole with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. The combination of soft pasta, creamy tomato sauce, juicy chicken, and sweet peas makes this dish equally pleasurable and flavorful.