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Elevate dinner with this mouth-watering penne alla vodka recipe. Made with penne pasta, sliced chicken breasts, this pasta dish is topped off with a homemade vodka sauce and 2 different kinds of cheese! It’s as easy as spaghetti but looks and tastes like a chef-made meal.
Easy Penne Alla Vodka Recipe
Did you know that pasta dinners can actually be made to be healthy? I’m stoked!
While I’ve been known to reach for a jar of pasta sauce or two, I’ve found that making your own homemade pasta sauces is just as easy as opening the can and heating it up, but better for you. Not only does it taste better, but you can actually control the quality and quantity of ingredients that are being added.
I start doing that with my vegan romesco sauce and I figured- why not try doing the same with vodka sauce?
Guess what? This vodka sauce is incredible! It’s so good, you’ll be licking the spatula and counting down the minutes until it is done. Even if you haven’t really liked vodka sauce before, you are going to like it now after trying this one.
Get ready to indulge in decadence without the guilt. You are going to adore this pasta recipe!
Ingredients In Penne Pasta With Vodka Sauce
I used all whole ingredients in this scrumptious pasta sauce – it makes all the difference. Here’s what I used, along with how much you’ll need.
- Penne Pasta: You can use your favorite type of pasta. I used an entire pound of pasta in this recipe. Use chickpea or quinoa pasta for a gluten-free dish!
- Avocado Oil: This is what you’ll use to brown the chicken and veggies. You only need about 2 tablespoons.
- Chicken Breasts: Cut them into bite-sized pieces before you cook them; that way, they will cook faster. You’ll need about 1.5 pounds of chicken breasts.
- Garlic and Onion: This is what I call aromatics because they smell so amazing as they cook. Always use fresh, whole onion and garlic that you cut up before you cook it. I used an entire yellow onion and 4 cloves of garlic.
- Tomatoes: You’ll need an entire 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes. Don’t drain it – you’ll use the entire can, sauce and all.
- Vodka: Yes, you’ll use real vodka in this sauce! You need about 2/3 cups. Make sure it is plain (unflavored) vodka.
- Italian Seasoning: I used 2 teaspoons, but you can use a little more if you want.
- Salt and Pepper: You don’t need much. I just used a teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. That’s about a small dash.
- Neufchâtel Cream Cheese: You can also use regular cream cheese, but use half a block of either one.
- Parmesan Cheese: For the best flavor, grate the parmesan cheese at home. You’ll need about 1/3 cup.
- Mozzarella Cheese: adds some extra delicious salty flavor! Who doesn’t love more cheese?
Kitchen Tools Required For This Pasta Dish
If you have ever made a homemade pasta sauce, then you probably already have all the tools you need. Here is what I used:
- Large Pot
- Strainer
- Large Pan or Dutch Oven
- Knife
- Cutting Board
For measuring, you will need tablespoon, liquid measuring cup (2/3 cup), 1/3 cup, teaspoon, and half a teaspoon.
How To Make Healthy Penne Alla Vodka Chicken Pasta
This is such a simple recipe! All of the steps and ingredients are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
The first step is to cook the pasta. Follow the directions on the box and then put it aside.
Next, heat the avocado oil in your Dutch oven. Do this over medium-high heat.
Add the onions and cook for 2 minutes. Then, add chopped chicken. Let it cook for four minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, add the garlic and cook for one more minute.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, vodka, and seasonings. Give it a nice stir and let it simmer over medium-heat for 5 minutes.
Next, add in cream cheese and parmesan cheese, and use a whisk to break it up. Let simmer another five minutes. Then stir in mozzarella cheese.
Finally, mix in pasta until completely coated. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
Below are some common penne alla vodka questions. Don’t see the answer you’re looking for? Leave a comment at the bottom of this post!
How do I keep my pasta from sticking together?
Pasta that boils in one large clump is never any good – I know the pain! Don’t fall for the “add oil to the water” hack. The best way to prevent your pasta from sticking together is to use a large enough pan.
If you are boiling an entire pound of pasta (like in my recipe), I suggest using about 4 quarts of water.
Another thing that will prevent your pasta from sticking together is to stir the pasta as soon as you add it to the water, and a few times while it cooks. This will agitate the water and prevent the starch from concentrating in one spot.
What can I use instead of vodka?
You don’t have to use vodka. A fantastic vodka replacement for this sauce is a few tablespoons of fresh-squeezed lemon juice. That will add the tart taste that vodka would have.
What is the safe cooking temperature of chicken?
I always use an instant read food thermometer when I cook meat. The safe cooking temperature of chicken is 160 degrees F.
Substitution Tip
Wondering if you can use different ingredients in this recipe? There are a few ways you can.
Instead of avocado oil, use your favorite type of oil. I like using olive oil or even ghee to pan-fry my chicken and aromatics.
Don’t worry too much about what type of onion to use. I used yellow onion, but white or even red onions will taste amazing in this sauce. Red onions have the strongest flavor, so maybe only use it if that is all you have.
I used chicken breasts because it is easy to cup up and cook. You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs as a replacement, or just leave the meat out entirely.
If you want to make your own Italian seasoning, feel free. The herbs that are usually in Italian seasoning are parsley, oregano, basil, and thyme.
Storing leftovers
This penne alla vodka meal saves so well. You might even think it tastes better the next day, after all the flavors soak into the noodles.
Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. The texture will solidify a bit in the refrigerator. That’s ok! It will melt and soften as soon as you heat it back up.
If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!
Here are some more of my favorite pasta dishes. Enjoy!
- Summer Pesto Pasta Salad
- One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
- Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Pasta Salad
- Healthy Taco Pasta
Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by The Mindful Hapa
Healthy Penne alla Vodka
Elevate dinner with this mouth-watering penne alla vodka recipe. Made with penne pasta, sliced chicken breasts, this pasta dish is topped off with a homemade vodka sauce and 2 different kinds of cheese! It’s as easy as spaghetti but looks and tastes like a chef-made meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1.5 lb chicken breasts, diced into small cubes
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 28oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2/3 cup vodka
- 2 tsp italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 block Neufchâtel cream cheese (or regular) – warmed (I do in microwave).
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to directions, drain, and set aside.
- In a large pan or dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp avocado oil over medium-high heat.
- Add onions and cook for 2 minutes. Then add chopped chicken. Let cook four minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add garlic and cook for one more minute.
- Add in tomatoes, vodka, and seasonings. Stir and let simmer over medium for 5 minutes.
- Stir in cream cheese, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese and use a whisk to break it up. Let simmer another five minutes.
- Stir in pasta until completely coated. Enjoy!
There may be affiliate links in this post! By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat 🙂
Maggie says
I’m not sure how you got that nutritional content… I just put it into a recipe nutrition calculator and it is definitely higher calorie than that. I would double check that. It looks very good thought!
Erin says
Hi Maggie, I’ve come to learn that every nutrition calculator may be different and while yours may say one thing, mine may say the other. Thanks for letting me know!
Ben says
This was fantastic, we added some red pepper flakes because my girlfriend and I like some kick! Would definitely recommend!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Ben, so happy you loved it and great addition!
Katie says
Amazing!! The whole family loved it, even a super picky toddler!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Katie, so glad you both liked it!
Erin H says
So delicious! My entire family gobbled it up! So easy to make too!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Erin, so glad everyone loved it!
Caroline M. says
Such a great recipe! Penne vodka is one of my restaurant favs, I loved being able to make a healthier version at home. Picky husband approved as well!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Caroline, so glad you both loved it!! 🙂
Erin says
I love penne alla vodka and this recipe was truly amaazing! So easy for me to follow which was important cause I’ve flopped on a lot of recipes in the kitchen. Even my fiancé loved it!! And so true that the leftovers are just as good if not better after sitting in this yummy sauce!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Erin, so happy you both loved it! 🙂
Meaghan says
been dying to make this recipe since i saw it posted! finally got the chance to last week and it exceeded all expectations. protein packed and so yummy! cant wait to make it again. family loved it too.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Meaghan, so glad you loved the penne!!
Maria says
Sooo yummy and fairly easy recipe!! Definitely will make again. We subbed with lentil pasta and added some chili flakes for spice!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Maria, so glad you loved it and made it your own!
Erin says
Very good. I really loved it. The only thing different is that I marinated the chicken with some salt, pepper, basil, garlic and avocado oil and grilled before adding it back in. I loved it! Whole family went for seconds and I have leftovers for tomorrow!
My husbands only suggestion is a little extra kick. I might sprinkle some red pepper flakes on his tomorrow.
★★★★
Erin says
Hi Erin, so glad you loved it and made it your own!!
Jenny says
Made this for dinner tonight for my boyfriend and I and it was absolutely amazing!! Super easy and tasted just like what you’d get in a restaurant!! Cannot wait to make again!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Jenny, so glad you both loved it!!
Val says
Made this for dinner tonight and my husband and I loved it!! Such a lovely flavor and simple to make!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Val, so glad you both loved it!!
LO says
I followed the recipe except swapped goat cheese for Neufchatel and used gluten free penne because of dietary reasons and it was absolutely phenomenal. This will definitely be on our meal rotation! SOOOO dang good.
Erin says
Hi! So happy you loved the penne and made it your own! 🙂
Carolyn says
This was SO GOOD and so easy to make! Would definitely recommend adding to the dinner rotation
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Carolyn, so happy you loved it!!
Katie says
Another recipe added to the list of what I make from, Erin Lives Whole!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Katie, so happy you loved it!
Frances says
This was DELICIOUS! It was also very easy and quick to make!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Frances, so happy you loved it!
Lauren says
This is CRAZY I want to be buried in this pasta in my grave!!!!!!!! I had an open jar of Rao’s marinara sauce instead of the regular tomatoes, then omitted the salt. I also used less pasta because I hate when pasta recipes have more noodles than anything else haha. But it was SO good!!! Erin you did it again!!!!!!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Lauren, so happy you loved it! 🙂
Becca says
Amazing meal!! Love going through all of your recipes, and this one was top notch! Super easy and delicious!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Becca, so glad you loved it!!
Hannah says
I made this tonight for my husband and I for dinner and as per usual, it is another amazing erin lives whole recipe! We are seriously yet to come across one that we don’t absolutely love. Thank you for blessing us with this divine dish!! 😀
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Hannah, so glad you loved it so much! Thank you for sharing!!
Hailey Royal says
One of my favorite recipes from this blog is the one pot chicken Parmesan, so when I saw this one pop up I knew I had to try it sooner than later. Let me just say, it did not disappoint. It was so simple to make and tasted AMAZING! I halved it since it’s just me, but otherwise followed the instructions to a tee. This will be part of the normal rotation for sure- thanks Erin!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Hailey, so happy you loved this one too! Thanks for sharing!!
Nora says
Loved this recipe! So easy and so so delicious, perfect for a weekend date night but still healthy, my boyfriend also loved it!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Nora, so happy you both loved it! 🙂