• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Sweetphi logo

  • Recipes
    • Recipe Index
    • Five Ingredient Fridays
    • Meal Plans
    • Reader Recreations
  • About
    • About & Contact
    • Partnerships
  • Cookbooks
  • Life
    • Love Lists
    • Catching up with the Kelnhofers
    • Travel
  • Shop
  • Work With Me
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Penne Vodka with Chicken

Jan 24, 2022 · Leave a Comment

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Penne Vodka with Chicken

I’m sharing this recipe for penne vodka with chicken and you have to keep reading for a quick tip to make the dish just a touch more healthy but still just as tasty!

this image

Penne alla vodka is a classic Italian dish that most people enjoy, so I always love to re-create those type of dishes at home in my own kitchen.  I did it here with my recipe for a take on a classic chicken parmesan too.

Ingredients for penne pasta with vodka sauce

What ingredients do you need to make this pasta dish?

  • Kosher salt
  • Penne or Rigatoni (like these)
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Garlic cloves
  • Crushed red pepper flakes
  • Chicken breasts
  • Vodka
  • Plain yogurt
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Dried basil (or loose fresh basil leaves)

Adding vodka to chicken in pot

I have been asked a few times is there real vodka in penne alla vodka?  And yup, there sure is!  You add vodka on top of your cooked chicken to start the process.  But, don’t worry, you cook most of the vodka off so you’re not left with much alcohol at all.

And while we’re talking this step in the process, I wanted to be sure to note that if you like to get your chicken a bit more brown, make sure not to mess with it/stir it every two seconds – although I know that can be tempting.

Stirring penne vodka with chicken

Traditionally, vodka sauce is made with a heavy cream to make it rich and delicious.  I opted to make this dish slightly more healthy by simply using yogurt instead!  If you prefer using heavy cream, you can still do that – it’s a simple 1 to 1 substitute.

Mixing penne with vodka sauce

Can you use any kind of yogurt?

  • I would use plain yogurt, but you can use Greek yogurt (it’s a bit more tangy) or nut yogurt (I would suggest soy or cashew.  I do not recommend using coconut or almond yogurt because it is too sweet.

Spooning pasta into bowl

How to make penne vodka with chicken?

    1. Cook pasta, with 1 teaspoon salt, according to package instructions.
    2. In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, cook for one minute, and add chicken breast cubes. Cook, stirring until chicken starts to brown and is cooked through – about 5 minutes.
    3. Add the vodka and cook until vodka is nearly evaporated.
    4. Add the tomatoes and remaining salt and let come to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 1 minute, or until slightly thickened. Add the yogurt and simmer for 2 more minutes.
    5. Add the pasta and stir until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. Spoon pasta into bowl.  Add parmesan on top.
    6. Basil may be added on top or you can mix it into the pasta during cooking.   This is optional.

Sprinkling cheese on pasta

I love finishing my penne vodka with chicken (and really all of my pasta dishes) with a sprinkle of fresh parmesan.  Tasty, comforting and delicious!

Penne Vodka with Chicken

I'm sharing this recipe for penne vodka with chicken and you have to keep reading for a quick tip to make the dish just a touch more healthy but still just as tasty!
No ratings yet
Print Rate
Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt divided
  • 1 pound rigatoni
  • 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes crushed
  • 1 pound chicken breasts cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 1/3 cup vodka
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes 28-ounce
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese grated. Plus more for serving.
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil or 1/4 cup loose fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  • Cook pasta with 1 teaspoon salt according to package instructions
  • In a large pot heat oil over medium-high heat, add the garlic and red pepper flakes (cook for one minute) and chicken breast cubes. Cook, stirring until chicken starts to brown and is cooked through - about 5 min. 
  • Add the vodka and cook until vodka is nearly evaporated.
    Adding vodka to chicken in pot
  • Add the tomatoes and remaining salt and let come to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 1- minutes, or until slightly thickened. Add the yogurt and simmer for 2 more minutes.
    Stirring penne vodka with chicken
  • Add the pasta and stir until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. Put pasta in bowl - add parmesan on top and basil if you would like (you can mix this in with the pasta if you prefer)
    Stirring pasta

Notes

The nutrition information presented on this site should be considered an estimate as the calculations will change based on the exact products you use in your own kitchen.

Nutrition

Calories: 734kcal | Carbohydrates: 96g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 86mg | Sodium: 1892mg | Potassium: 1095mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 420IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 248mg | Iron: 4mg

Related Posts

  • chicken and pasta on plate
    5 Ingredient Baked Chicken Parmesan Pasta

    This 5 ingredient baked chicken parmesan pasta dish is one that any household would love…

  • 5 Ingredient carbonara pasta
    5 Ingredient Carbonara Pasta

    This 5 ingredient carbonara pasta is the perfect easy 'go-to' dinner recipe that one can…

  • 5 ingredient pasta for meal prep lunches
    5 Ingredient Healthy Pasta for Meal Prep Lunches

    Lunchtime just got a little more delicious! By making this 5 ingredient healthy pasta for…

  • 5 ingredient cauliflower pancetta pasta
    5 Ingredient Pancetta Parmesan Cauliflower Pasta Recipe

     This 5 ingredient pancetta parmesan cauliflower pasta recipe is the perfect easy dinner recipe, and…

  • 5 ingredient spaghetti squash pesto pasta recipe, a healthy alternative when you're craving pasta
    5 Ingredient Spaghetti Squash Pesto "Pasta" Recipe

    When you're craving pasta but don't want to have the crabs or calories, you can…

Blog Posts, Chicken, Main Meals, Recipes penne vodka, Penne Vodka with Chicken, Vodka Sauce

Did you make this recipe? Hashtag with us! Be sure to follow/tag @sweetphiblog and hashtag #sweetphiblog – we love to see what you’re cooking up!”

Get the Weekly Newsletter right in your inbox

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Top 5

Related Posts

  • 1 Baked Chicken, Potatoes, Carrots and Herbs
  • 2 Crispy Chicken and Arugula Salad Recipe
  • 3 Freezer Meal - Chicken Enchilada Casserole
  • 4 5 ingredient Chicken Gnocchi with Alfredo Pesto
  • 5 Slow Roasted Chicken Tacos with Radish Slaw

Philia Kelnhofer, Danish, Chicken tacos, Kelnhofer familySweetphi.com is a destination for easy recipes, showcasing beautiful content and inspiration, everyday family life, motherhood, and fun finds from around the web. 

Learn More

Footer

In this week’s Love List we’re sharing a $35 m In this week’s Love List we’re sharing a $35 must-have work purse, 12 things to remember when you’re feeling overwhelmed, how to freeze pretty much everything and how you can replace paper towels! 🤩
What have you been loving lately?! 🛍️
Read this week’s Love List on the blog! ❤️
https://sweetphi.com/love-list-how-to-freeze-anything-and-35-work-purse/
#amazonfinds #shopping #lifestyle #midwestlife #midwestblogger #mke #milwaukee #targetfinds #lovelist #cookbooks
I’ve got your Memorial Day dessert covered! 💙 I’ve got your Memorial Day dessert covered! 💙❤️🤍
This red, white and blue dump cake is the perfect dessert that is great for parties or any time you want a quick dessert that everyone will love!
Did I mention it’s made with only 4 ingredients?!
Blueberry pie filling
White cake mix
Cold butter – this helps makes a delicious crumble topping
Strawberry ice cream – a creative way to add a red-color to your festive foods!
Grab this recipe on the blog!
https://sweetphi.com/red-white-and-blue-dump-cake
#recipe #memorialday #memorialdayweekend #easydessert #quickdessert #easyrecipe #dumpcake #redwhiteandblue #summerrecipes #blueberrycake #strawberryicecream
This green goddess dipping sauce/dressing with yog This green goddess dipping sauce/dressing with yogurt is perfect for dipping vegetables in or enjoying over salads! 🥕
I’ve served this at girls' nights, brought it over to friends’ houses, made it just to have on hand in the house – every time I serve it people want the recipe and it’s great for a summertime dip! 🤩
Find this recipe on the blog! ❤️
https://sweetphi.com/green-goddess-dip-dressing-yogurt/
#dip #diprecipe #dressing #homemadedressing #saladdressing #veggiedip #vegetabledip #appetizer #easyrecipe #yogurtrecipes #snacks #easysnack #summerrecipes #mealprep #food #recipe
These sheet pan pancakes are a convenient and deli These sheet pan pancakes are a convenient and delicious way to enjoy and feed a crowd all at once! 🥞
Here’s why you’ll LOVE these:
Time-Saver: With one pour and a quick bake, you can have a batch of pancakes ready in 10 minutes!
Feed a Crowd: You can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd!
The leftovers freeze really well!
Versatility: Experiment with various flavors, add toppings, or even make themed pancakes for special occasions! 😍
Grab this recipe on the blog! ❤️
https://sweetphi.com/sheet-pan-pancakes-recipe/
#pancakes #pancakerecipe #sheetpan #sheetpanmeals #sheetpanpancakes #cookingwithkids #kidsrecipe #kidsbreakfast #brunch #breakfast #easyrecipe #quickandeasymeals
It’s officially grilling season in Wisconsin! 🔥
What is your favorite thing to throw on the grill?!
I’ve put together a whole roundup of grilling recipes for you on the blog! 
https://sweetphi.com/grill-recipes-roundup/
#grill #grilling #grillmaster #summer #wisconsin #mke #milwaukee #recipes #mkesummer #wisconsinsummer #grillseason
When you’re looking for a great freezer meal to When you’re looking for a great freezer meal to have on hand for those nights you don’t feel like cooking, this chicken enchilada casserole is exactly the recipe for you!
TIP! If you don’t feel like cooking up chicken, or if you’re extra short on time, grab a pre-made rotisserie chicken from the grocery store!
Find this recipe on the blog! ❤️
https://sweetphi.com/freezer-meal-chicken-enchilada-casserole/
#enchiladas #casserole #freezerfriendly #freezermeals #mealprep #easydinner #dinnerideas #freezerprep #enchiladacasserole #familydinners #chickenenchiladas #chickenrecipe
Have you read this week’s Love List yet?!
You’ll find the best hand cream that’s only $3.99, read your May horoscope and another Amazon Dupe! 🤩
Read the Love List on the blog! ❤️
https://sweetphi.com/love-list-3-99-hand-cream-and-olive-oil-coffee/
#lovelist #lifestyle #midwestlife #coffee #handcream #amazondupes #dupe #kidstoysonline #clothes #musthaves #midwestmom
Crispy on the outside and fully on the inside, ext Crispy on the outside and fully on the inside, extra protein because of the cottage cheese and my kids absolutely love them for breakfast! 🧇
Plus, they’re made in one blender so minimal dishes AND cleanup!
Find this recipe on the blog! ❤️
https://sweetphi.com/waffles-made-with-cottage-cheese/
#cottagecheese #cottagecheeserecipes #waffles #wafflerecipe #kidsbreakfastideas #kidapprovedfood #highprotein #highproteinmeals #brunch #breakfastidea #freezerfriendly #freezerfriendlymeals
  • Recipes
  • Baby
  • Cookbook
  • Five Ingredient Fridays
  • Travel
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · SWEET PHI