Super Creamy & Healthy Chicken Penne Alla Vodka

Pasta is on our menu at least once a week. If it's not chicken parm, baked feta pasta, skillet lasagna, pasta with peas and pancetta, or chicken sausage pasta, this healthy pasta dish is one of our faves!

Serve with some delicious bread dipping oil and a green salad!

Why You'll Love This Healthier Penne Alla Vodka

• This healthy chicken penne alla vodka recipe is lighter than the rich classic version!
• High-protein: Almost 35 grams of protein per serving.
• Only 8 simple ingredients.
• Pantry-friendly: It can be made with ingredients on hand.
• Creamy tomato sauce made with Greek yogurt and dairy-free milk - no heavy cream!
• Delicious flavor!
• An easy weeknight meal your whole family will love!
• Tastes just like your favorite Italian restaurant dish.
• Easy yet impressive!

Ingredients For This Recipe

Here are the ingredients you need to make this recipe. Reference the recipe card at the bottom for exact measurements and the notes below for substitution ideas.

• Parmesan cheese: You can also use pecorino romano if you want to make it without parmesan.
• Penne: Penne is the pasta that is usually used but you could always try another pasta you have on hand like rigatoni.
• Tomato sauce: You can also use pureed whole plum tomatoes or canned crushed tomatoes. Keep as many tomato chunks as you prefer.
• Chicken breasts: Juicy chicken gives this chicken penne pasta a great source of protein. Use your favorite roasted chicken recipe - like our easy thinly sliced chicken breasts.
• Butter: Butter is the base of the creamy sauce. A tablespoon of olive oil or avocado oil works well as a substitute.
• Greek yogurt and milk: Greek yogurt and milk combine together to make a creamy sauce. Substitute cream cheese for a variation.
• Vodka: Tomatoes and cream normally separate on their own so adding in the vodka helps them to blend together in such a creamy way! The alcohol cooks down so there is no need to worry - it is family-friendly!
• Seasonings: Season chicken penne alla vodka with salt and black pepper. If the chicken is not pre-cooked, season them with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning before cooking.

How to Make Homemade Chicken Penne Alla Vodka

Below are step-by-step instructions for how to cook this recipe with the best results. The recipe card at the bottom shows the exact cooking time and temperatures.

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook pasta according to al dente package instructions. Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. While pasta cooks, start the sauce. Add vodka and stir until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomato sauce and garlic. Simmer, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon for about 10 minutes. Turn off the heat then stir in the almond milk and Greek yogurt to avoid curdling.
3. Add sauce to cooked pasta and chicken and stir in Parmesan cheese.
4. Top the pasta with the cooked chicken and fresh herbs like fresh basil, then season with a pinch of salt & black pepper.

Expert Tips

• Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to come together and for the alochol to burn off.
• I made this on the stovetop but you could also experiment with making it in your Instant Pot or crock pot.
• Make it spicy by adding in some red pepper flakes or your favorite spicy season blend.

Storing and Reheating Directions

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer Instructions: Make sauce and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Add in cooked chicken and pasta when you plan to cook it.
• Microwave Reheating Instructions: Reheat in a microwave-safe container for a few minutes or until heated through. You can add a bit of leftover sauce before heating.
• Oven Reheating Instructions: Add a bit of reserved sauce to a baking dish and heat up a baked version in the oven at 350F for 10 minutes or until heated through.

Recipe FAQs