We love this vodka pasta sauce with chicken for an easy and delicious weeknight meal.
Vodka Pasta Sauce With Chicken
This vodka pasta sauce with chicken makes for a creamy and delicious dish. Savory tomato paste, rich whipping cream, a splash of vodka and diced, cooked chicken come together for a delicious and indulgent pasta meal.
Though traditionally served with penne this pasta recipe works well with whatever shape of pasta you have in your pantry. Adding a touch of vodka really takes the flavor up a notch highlighting the combination of the sweetness from the tomato flavor and the richness of the whipping cream.
This pasta dish is perfect for a cold winter’s day when your body is craving a rich and warming meal. You can easily add your favorite vegetables to the sauce or sprinkle it with bacon or pancetta. Make a double batch so you’ve got leftovers for lunch the next day.
Serve this Vodka Pasta Sauce with Chicken alongside a cucumber salad and this Old Fashioned Berry Crisp for a well-balanced weeknight meal.
If you are looking for more pasta recipes try this Spaghetti Bolognaise, Velveeta Mac and Cheese or this Baked Tortellini Casserole.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe For Vodka Pasta Sauce with Chicken
This pasta dish comes together quickly and easily as you can have it on the table in less than 30 minutes.
Pasta is always a crowd-pleaser and this creamy vodka sauce version is no exception.
Ingredients Needed For Vodka Sauce Pasta with Chicken
Rigatoni – We used 8 oz of Rigatoni but you can also use penne or any shape of pasta really though short pasta is probably best.
Garlic – We used one tablespoon of fresh garlic, minced. Do not use powdered garlic. You can substitute jarred garlic if you prefer.
Vodka – We love and always use Grey Goose Vodka though any brand will work.
Tomato Paste – Use just a ¼ cup of tomato paste to thicken up the sauce.
Heavy Whipping Cream – Heavy whipping cream adds richness to the sauce. You can substitute half and half, but you won’t get the same rich sauce.
Red Pepper Flakes – Red pepper flakes add a touch of spice. The amount you use is up to you. Use a little or leave them out altogether.
Parmesan Cheese – For this recipe, we added ¼ cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese. Fresh really is best, don’t use shelf-stable cheese.
Chicken – Add 1 cup of cooked, diced chicken to make this meal heartier and more substantial.
Fresh parsley – Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil.
Salt & Pepper to Taste
Helpful Tools
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Skillet or saucepan
- Colander
How To Make Vodka Pasta Sauce with Chicken
STEP 1. In a large saucepan, pour in the vodka, heavy cream & tomato paste.
STEP 2. Add the garlic, salt & pepper.
STEP 3. Stir and bring to a light boil over medium heat.
STEP 4. Slowly stir in the cooked pasta and chicken.
STEP 5. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10 minutes while occasionally stirring.
STEP 6. After 10 minutes, stir in the Parmesan cheese. Serve and Enjoy!
Use a medium-sized skillet to prepare the vodka sauce.
Stir all the sauce ingredients together and bring to a light boil.
Add the cooked and drained pasta to the sauce.
Add the cooked chicken along with the cooked pasta and stir well to combine.
Let cook for about 10 minutes until everything is heated through and then stir in the Parmesan cheese. Serve with additional parmesan cheese.
Yummy and Easy Weeknight Meal of Vodka Sauce with Pasta and Chicken
- 8 oz cooked pasta noodles
- 1 cup diced cooked chicken
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- salt & pepper to taste
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In a large saucepan, pour in the vodka, heavy cream & tomato paste.
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Add the garlic, salt & pepper.
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Stir and bring to a boil over medium heat.
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Slowly stir in the noodles and chicken.
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Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10 minutes while occasionally stirring.
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After 20 minutes, stir in the Parmesan cheese.
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Serve & enjoy.
You can also easily make penne alla vodka with chicken. Just substitute cooked penne pasta instead of the rigatoni. A great addition to this penne pasta is cooked green peas.
What to Serve with Vodka Sauce Pasta with Chicken
Serve your favorite crusty rolls with butter or a side of fresh breadsticks.
Garlic Bread
Tossed Salad – Learn how to make a great tossed salad!
Easy Caesar Salad Made in a Bag
Delicious Variations
- Change up the pasta shape- you can use penne, fusilli or any other short pasta.
- Add your favorite vegetables – cooked broccoli, cauliflower, red peppers or mushrooms would all work well.
- Use a different cheese – if you don’t have Parmesan cheese you can use Pecorino, Asiago or Gran Padano.
- Throw in some bocconcini or add burrata.
Tips & Tricks
- Save the pasta water and a touch to the sauce to thicken it up.
- Keep leftover chicken, ham or any other leftover meat to add to the sauce.
- This sauce keeps well for a few days so feel free to cook it up in advance.
- Use this sauce for eggplant parmesan or a lasagna.
How to Store Leftover Vodka Sauce Pasta with Chicken
Leftovers are delicious. Store leftovers in an airtight container or in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I make this pasta dish dairy free?
If you want to substitute a dairy-free option for the whipping cream you can use a non-dairy creamer as an option or coconut milk would also work. Note that the taste and texture of the pasta dish will be different than if you used whipping cream. Use a non-dairy substitute for the Parmesan cheese as well.
Can I make this dish non-alcoholic?
The unique flavor of this pasta sauce comes from the addition of vodka. If you are looking for a non-alcoholic sauce then it would be best to choose a different recipe. I have several on my website.
Can I serve pasta sauce with vodka to kids?
Though most of the vodka will evaporate during cooking if you have any concerns about feeding this pasta dish to children you shouldn’t. You can easily make a portion of the sauce without vodka to serve to the kids.
Can you get intoxicated from eating this pasta sauce with vodka?
As mentioned above, most of the vodka will evaporate during cooking so it is not possible to get drunk from eating this dish.
You will Love Some of Our Favorite Pasta Dishes:
Spaghetti and Frozen Meatballs
Ground Turkey Bolognese Recipe
TikTok Feta Pasta Recipe
Penne Pasta with Ground Beef
