Pasta is one of those timeless dishes that never fails to deliver a satisfying and hearty meal. Whether it’s a classic marinara, a rich alfredo, or a simple aglio e olio, pasta has a way of bringing comfort to any table.

But when you elevate your pasta dish with a creamy, flavorful vodka sauce and add tender chicken to the mix, you truly have a showstopper.

Vodka Sauce Pasta with Chicken combines the rich, velvety smoothness of vodka sauce with the savory flavors of perfectly cooked chicken, creating a dish that is both indulgent and comforting.

It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal when you want to impress your family or friends.

Why You’ll Love Vodka Sauce Pasta with Chicken

Creamy and Flavorful Sauce: The vodka sauce is the star of this dish. Made from tomatoes, heavy cream, and a splash of vodka, the sauce is smooth, creamy, and packed with layers of flavor. The vodka helps to release the tomato’s natural sweetness and adds a hint of sharpness that balances out the richness of the cream.

Perfect for Pasta Lovers: The combination of a silky vodka sauce with perfectly cooked pasta is a match made in heaven. It creates a deliciously satisfying meal that you’ll crave again and again.

Tender Chicken: Adding chicken to the mix not only makes this dish heartier but also provides a lean protein that perfectly complements the creamy sauce. Whether you use grilled chicken, roasted chicken, or pan-seared chicken, it’s sure to be a hit.

Easy to Make: Despite its rich and indulgent flavor, this pasta dish is simple to make. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques—just basic pantry staples and a little bit of time.

Versatile: You can customize this dish to your liking by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. If you prefer a little spice, you can throw in some red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Ingredients

For this Vodka Sauce Pasta with Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips or chunks
Pasta: 12 ounces of your favorite pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti work great)
Olive oil: For cooking the chicken and sautéing the garlic

Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced
Onion: 1 small onion, finely chopped
Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons for a concentrated tomato flavor

Vodka: 1/4 cup of vodka (this helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes and adds a subtle flavor)
Crushed tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 ounces)
Heavy cream: 1 cup for a rich, creamy texture

Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, freshly grated, for an extra layer of richness and flavor
Fresh basil: A handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
Salt and pepper: To taste

Red pepper flakes: Optional, for a bit of heat

Instructions

Cook the Chicken:
- Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Pasta:
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water for later use. Set aside.

Prepare the Vodka Sauce:
- In the same skillet that you used for the chicken, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently. This helps deepen the flavor of the tomatoes.
- Pour in the vodka, and let it simmer for about 3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off. You’ll notice the sauce beginning to thicken and the vodka’s sharpness mellowing out.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Make it Creamy:
- Once the tomato sauce has simmered, reduce the heat to low. Slowly add the heavy cream, stirring to incorporate. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes until it becomes thick and creamy.
- Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and create a smooth, velvety sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy vodka sauce to coat the pasta evenly.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir everything together until the chicken is warmed through and well-coated in the sauce.
Serve:
- Serve the Vodka Sauce Pasta with Chicken on individual plates or in a large serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. For a finishing touch, you can drizzle a little bit of olive oil over the top or add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Tips and Variations

Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic and onions to give the dish a bit of heat.

Make it Extra Cheesy: Feel free to add more Parmesan cheese or even mozzarella for an extra cheesy flavor.
Add a Touch of Freshness: Garnish the dish with fresh basil or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving to balance out the richness of the sauce.

Final Thoughts

Vodka Sauce Pasta with Chicken is an indulgent, creamy dish that combines the best elements of comfort food with bold, savory flavors. The creamy vodka sauce coats every bite of pasta, while the tender, flavorful chicken adds the perfect finishing touch.

Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy this delicious, creamy pasta dinner with family and friends.