How to Make the BEST Chicken Penne Vodka Pasta

Chicken penne vodka pasta is a dish made with penne pasta, chicken, and a creamy tomato sauce containing vodka. The sauce coats the pasta and chicken for a rich and flavorful meal. This dish has become very popular due to its great taste and easy preparation. 

The creamy vodka sauce is the star of this pasta dish. It has a smooth texture from heavy cream and flavors from garlic, onion and red pepper. The vodka adds subtle taste that enhances the tomatoes. 

This clinging sauce pairs perfectly with the penne pasta and chicken. People also enjoy how satisfying the combination of flavors and textures feels. Plus, it can be made quickly for busy weeknights. Looking for an easy chicken penne vodka pasta recipe that’s both delicious and quick to prepare? You’ve come to the right place!

In this article, we will share the best way to make chicken penne vodka pasta so you can enjoy this comforting classic. Learn how to prepare the creamy sauce and perfectly cook the pasta and chicken. Follow these steps to make the most delicious version of this beloved dish.

Chicken Penne Vodka Pasta

Recipe by MarcusCourse: PastaCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

600

kcal

Ingredients

• 1-2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• 8-12 ounces dried penne pasta

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus 1 tablespoon for pasta)

• 1/4 cup diced onion

• 2-3 cloves minced garlic

• 1/4 cup vodka or white wine

• 14.5 ounces crushed tomatoes (no-salt-added)

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

• Prepare the Chicken
• Cook the Pasta
• Make the Sauce
• Combine Them

Notes

• Substitute white wine or chicken broth for vodka if desired.
• Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
• Adjust seasoning and creaminess to your taste with alternative dairy or herbs.

Ingredients for a Family-Pleasing Chicken Penne Vodka Pasta

When looking to make an easy but satisfying pasta dinner for my crew, chicken penne vodka is at the top of my list. It comes together quickly from pantry staples and always earns rave reviews. Let me tell you about the star players that make this dish a hit.

• Pasta Perfection: Penne – As the base, penne is hard to beat. Its hollow tubes cradle the rich, creamy sauce instead of letting it pool at the bottom of the bowl. No one ends up with a sad, dry mouthful of naked pasta!
• Versatile Protein: Chicken – I like having the option of boneless, skinless breasts or thighs. Breasts are lean but thighs add juiciness. Both take on flavor beautifully from the sauce.
• Tomato Foundation – A can of crushed tomatoes provides the sauce’s base notes. I love their bright acidity and natural sweetness. It balances everything out.
• Creamy Comfort – A splash of heavy cream pulls it all together. The cream mellows the acid in the tomatoes while adding lush texture. So indulgent!
• Salty Sprinkles: Parmesan – A good grating of parm takes it to the next level. Its sharp, robust taste amplifies the flavors already present.
• Aromatic All-Stars: Onions and Garlic – Sautéing these gives the sauce depth and complexity. Their sweetness emerges as they cook.
• Herbal Harmony: Oregano and Chili – Fresh oregano lends an earthy essence while red pepper flakes offer a subtle kick, if you like things spicy.

With these simple but impactful ingredients working together in harmony, you’ve got an incredible, satisfying meal worthy of any family.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Penne Vodka Pasta

This classic pasta dish comes together quickly for a satisfying weeknight meal. If you’re wondering how to make chicken penne vodka pasta, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process, from selecting the right ingredients to perfectly cooking the dish. 

This penne pasta recipes is straightforward and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Follow these steps to create a flavorful and creamy dish that your family will love.

Prepare the Chicken

You’ll need 1-2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs per person. Season the chicken generously with salt and black pepper. For extra flavor, also rub in 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning blend.

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, flipping once, until browned and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken breasts reach 165°F.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing or tearing into 1/2-inch pieces. Set aside until assembling the pasta dish.

Cook the Pasta

In this penne alla vodka chicken recipe, we’ll guide you through each step to ensure your pasta is perfectly cooked and your sauce is rich and creamy. 

In a large pot, bring 4-6 quarts of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 8-12 ounces dried penne or other short cut pasta. Stir occasionally and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes.

Drain the pasta in a colander set in the sink and return it to the empty pot. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking. Toss gently to coat. Cover to keep warm until assembling the dish.

Make the Creamy Vodka Sauce

Creating a chicken penne vodka pasta with cream starts with making the perfect creamy vodka sauce, which forms the rich base of this delectable dish.

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in the same skillet used to cook the chicken over medium. Sauté 1/4 cup each diced onion and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened.

Pour in 1/4 cup vodka or white wine. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to cook off the alcohol.

Add one 14.5 ounce can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened slightly. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half plus 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.

For the best vodka for pasta sauce, opt for a neutral-tasting variety like Tito’s or Smirnoff to ensure the vodka enhances rather than overpowers the other flavors.

Assemble and Serve the Pasta

Add the cooked pasta and chicken pieces to the creamy vodka sauce in the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything well, adding 2-4 tablespoons reserved pasta cooking liquid as needed to loosen the sauce.

Cook and stir over medium heat for 1-2 minutes to heat through. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve your chicken penne vodka pasta with parmesan by garnishing each plate with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for an added layer of flavor. Enjoy!

• Total active time is 30-45 minutes
• Substitute white wine or chicken broth for vodka
• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies

Customizing Chicken Penne Vodka Pasta for Your Taste

Chicken penne vodka pasta is highly customizable, allowing you to put your own spin on this classic dish. With some simple adjustments, you can create the perfect penne vodka pasta for your lifestyle and tastes. Whether you prefer a thicker consistency or a heartier meal, our creamy chicken vodka pasta can be customized to suit your taste with various add-ins and substitutions.

Change the Main Protein

There are lots of options for swapping out the chicken:

• Shrimp: Pink, sweet shrimp make a delicious seafood substitution. Sauté shrimp just until opaque and cooked through before stirring into the sauce.
• Italian Sausage: Spicy sausage adds big flavor. Brown the sausage first in the skillet before sautéing aromatics for a rich base.
• Tofu or Tempeh: Diced or crumbled tofu or tempeh mimic the texture of meat for a plant-based protein. Sauté with onions and garlic for savory flavor.
• Salmon or Tuna: Flaky salmon or tuna steaks poached in the sauce infuse it with moisture and omega-3s. Gently flake into bite-sized pieces when fully cooked.

Pile on the Veggies

Vegetables not only boost nutrition but layer in new tastes:

• Spinach: Baby spinach wilts within seconds to turn the sauce a vibrant green. For heartier spinach, sauté briefly before adding.
• Peas: Frozen peas are convenient and sweet. Stir them into the hot sauce off heat so they retain bright color and pop.
• Mushrooms: Thinly sliced mushrooms develop deep umami flavor when sautéed with onions. Shiitakes or oyster mushrooms offer meaty texture.
• Roasted Vegetables: Pre-roasted carrots, zucchini or cauliflower florets add complex flavor when warmed through in the sauce.

Tweak the Sauce

Customize creaminess and introduce new flavors with adjustments like:

• Half & Half or Milk: Lighter dairy alternatives create a silkier sauce without being as rich as heavy cream.
• Nut Milk: Unsweetened almond or cashew milk lend creaminess without the dairy. Coconut milk adds a subtle tropical note.
• Cheese: Shredded parmesan lends sharpness. Mozzarella melts into a stringy sauce. Goat cheese crumbles add tang.
• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of basil, oregano or parsley brightens flavors at serving.

Serve it family-style with crusty bread, a salad and your favorite beverage for the complete, customized penne vodka pasta meal. With these versatile variations, you’re sure to find a version everyone enjoys.

Ready for a comforting meal? Try this rich and easy Penne Pasta with Alfredo Sauce!

Nutritional Information and Serving Suggestions for Chicken Penne Vodka Pasta

A typical serving of chicken penne vodka pasta contains a good amount of calories, fat, protein and carbohydrates. A regular portion provides around 600 to 700 calories to fuel your body. This creamy pasta dish fills you up for these key reasons:

• Calories: At 600-700 calories per serving, this pasta delivers energy. The creamy vodka sauce and chicken both contribute calories.
• Fat: With 30-40 grams of fat per serving, the pasta is rich and satisfying. Much of this comes from the sauce, which uses ingredients like cream or half-and-half.
• Protein: Despite being a pasta dish, it offers 35-45 grams of protein from the chicken added to it. This protein helps you feel full for longer.
• Carbohydrates: As a pasta dish, it’s also a good source of carbs, providing 60-70 grams per regular helping. The penne and sauce combine to deliver these carbs for energy.

While higher in calories than a simple pasta salad, the protein from chicken makes this a filling meal option. Just keep portion sizes in check.

Healthy Portion Sizes

When enjoying this dish, moderation is key. To help create balance at your meal, aim for 1 to 1.5 cups per serving.

This recommended serving size allows you to truly taste the flavors without overindulging in calories, fat and carbs. Listen to your fullness cues and stop when satisfied, rather than cleaning your plate.

Side Dishes to Create a Well-Rounded Plate

Pair your chicken penne vodka pasta with some tasty, nutritious sides to make it an even more satisfying meal:

• Garlic Bread: A few slices add crunch and savory garlic flavor to complement the creamy pasta. Look for whole grain varieties when possible.
• Fresh Salad: A mixed green salad with veggies like tomatoes and cucumbers, dressed lightly provides contrast and fills you up with nutrients.
• Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli or green beans bring vitamins, minerals and fiber to balance your plate. Their bright colors also make your meal visually appealing.

By enjoying your pasta dish with these nutritious sides, you can satisfy your taste buds while supporting your health and well-being.

Making Chicken Penne Vodka Pasta at Home

In this article we talked about how to make a chicken penne vodka pasta that is flavorful, satisfying and easy to prepare. Here are the main things to remember:

• Cook the chicken with salt, pepper and herbs until fully cooked through. Set aside.
• Boil pasta until al dente then drain. Toss with oil to stop it sticking together.
• Sauté onions and garlic until soft. Add tomatoes, cream, seasonings. Let simmer until thick.
• Combine pasta, chicken and sauce in a pan. Warm through and toss everything together.
• Enjoy your homemade chicken penne vodka pasta! Share pictures or thoughts with friends.

This is the best chicken penne vodka pasta recipe you’ll find, combining rich flavors with simple preparation techniques to deliver a restaurant-quality meal at home. With just a few basic ingredients from the grocery store, you can make this comforting classic any night of the week. Give the recipe a try and see how your family likes it.

Don’t be afraid to adjust seasonings or mix-ins to your taste. Most importantly, have fun cooking up a warm, satisfying meal for yourself and loved ones to share.

Craving comfort food? Whip up our delicious Chicken Alfredo Penne Pasta tonight!

FAQs about Making Chicken Penne Vodka Pasta

If you have any other questions about making chicken penne vodka pasta, this section has the answers! Below are responses to some frequently asked questions: