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Chicken Vodka Radiatori

A delicious recipe with radiatori pasta I threw together one night as something quick, and it turned out to be delicious.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine eastern europe
Servings 8 people
Calories 2595 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Stockpot For boiling pasta
  • 1 Medium Saucepan For preparing the chicken and sauce
  • 1 Colander For draining pasta
  • 1 Wooden Spoon or Spatula For stirring and combining

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 16 ounce package radiatori pasta
  • 1 12 ounce can chicken breast chunks, drained
  • 2 teaspoons garlic and herb seasoning such as McCormick®
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • salt to taste
  • 1 28 ounce jar vodka marinara sauce
  • 1 14.5 ounce can Italian-style diced tomatoes

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a strong boil. Add radiatori and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, 9 to 13 minutes; do not overcook.
  • Meanwhile, add chicken to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Season with garlic and herb seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Drain and discard most of the juice from the diced tomatoes; add tomatoes to the saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons vodka sauce and bring to a simmer. Add remaining vodka sauce and return to a simmer.
  • Drain pasta well and return to the pot. Add sauce and stir to combine.

Notes

For a significant upgrade, consider using fresh chicken breast, pan-searing it until golden before adding to the sauce; this adds superior texture and flavor. Replace powdered garlic with freshly minced garlic, sautéing it gently with a finely diced shallot or onion at the start of your sauce preparation to build a more complex base. Deglazing the pan with a splash of dry white wine after searing the chicken will also add depth. Finish the sauce with a touch of heavy cream or a knob of butter off the heat for a richer, more luxurious mouthfeel, and garnish with fresh basil or grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for brightness and a savory kick. Always taste and adjust seasoning.