A healthier take on the classic favourite- Penne Alla Vodka with Chicken. This protein packed recipe swaps heavy cream for blended cottage cheese, offering a creamy texture without sacrificing taste. Indulge in a satisfying meal that’s not only flavorful but also high in protein. This Chicken Vodka Pasta is perfect for a nourishing dinner option that tastes like takeout.
Jump to RecipeWhy you will love this Chicken Vodka Pasta Recipe
- Quick and easy: It is super easy to make and only requires minimal ingredients, and can be made in one pot/pan! It is ready in just 30 minutes.
- Meal preppable: So easy to meal prep, I equally divide the pasta into 4 glass containers, top with 1 cooked chicken breast each and then just reheat in the microwave or in a pan, so easy!
- Lower in calories and high in protein: This Vodka pasta recipe is lower in calories than the traditional recipe, and is much higher in protein. It is perfect for those looking to increase their protein intake to support muscle growth and repair.
- Healthier Twist: This recipe offers a healthier alternative to the traditional Penne Alla Vodka by substituting heavy cream with blended cottage cheese, reducing calories and saturated fat content without compromising on creaminess.
- Delicious: Super creamy and packed full of flavour, this tastes exactly like the traditional dish and this weeknight meal will be on repeat!
Macros for Chicken Vodka Pasta
Per serve (4):
490 Calories
Carbs: 46g
Protein: 49g
Fat: 10.5g
More tasty and healthy Lunch/Dinner Ideas:
Vietnamese Inspired Noodle Bowl with Air fryer Lemongrass Chicken
Single Serve Chilli Prawn Noodles in under 15 minutes
Spicy Peanut Gochujang Noodles with Turkey Mince
Healthy Pad See Ew- over 40g protein!
Healthy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Ingredients and Substitutions for Chicken Vodka Pasta
Chicken Breast- 4 chicken breast fillets or around 400g
Chilli Oil- can sub for chilli flakes
Garlic- essential
Lemon juice- tenderize the chicken and adds flavour
Salt and pepper- essential seasonings
Dried Oregano- to season the chicken, can use italian mixed herbs or can omit
High Protein Penne Pasta- Can use normal pasta, penne or spaghetti, however I like to use a higher protein brand to make the dish higher in protein. I use this pasta
Olive oil- to saute’
Red onion- can substitute brown onion or shallots
Chilli flakes
Tomato paste- essential, can substitute for tomato puree like passatta but you will have a more liquid sauce
Vodka- can omit but it adds the essential flavour for a vodka pasta sauce
Cottage cheese- blended and added to the sauce like a cream however can substitute for normal or light heavy cream
Parmesan reggiano– can omit but for me this is an essential topping for pasta dishes
Cooking Tips
- Properly blend the cottage cheese: To achieve a smooth and creamy texture for the sauce, blend the cottage cheese with 1/4 cup warm pasta water thoroughly until it’s completely smooth. A high-powered blender or food processor works best for this step.
- Cook the pasta al dente: Cook the penne pasta just until it’s al dente, which means it’s cooked through but still slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and unpleasant, so keep an eye on it while it cooks and test it frequently for doneness.
- Reserve pasta water: Before draining the cooked pasta, reserve some of the pasta water. The starchy water can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce if it’s too thick, helping to thin it out while adding extra flavor.
- Simmer the sauce gently: Once you’ve combined the tomato sauce, vodka, and blended cottage cheese, simmer the sauce gently over low to medium heat. Avoid boiling it vigorously, as this can cause the sauce to separate or become grainy.
- Season generously: Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like. The flavors should be well-balanced and robust.
How to store for meal prep
Equally divide pasta into 4 glass bowls, top with 1 chopped chicken breast and store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When ready to reheat add a splash of water and microwave or heat in a pan.
Chicken Vodka Pasta- Healthy & High Protein!
Ingredients
Chicken
- 400 g chicken breast 2x chicken breast fillets cut into 4 thinner fillets
- 1-2 tsp chilli oil or chilli flakes
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 lemon juiced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- salt & pepper to taste
Pasta
- 250 g protein penne pasta can use normal penne
- 1/2 red onion sub for brown onion or shallots
- 1-2 tsp minced garlic 4-6 cloves
- 1-2 tsp chilli flakes
- 120 g tomato paste
- 1 shot vodka can omit
- 200 g cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 40 g parmesan reggiano 30g in sauce, 10g reserved for topping
Instructions
- Marinate chicken and pan fry for 5-6 mins per side
- Boil pasta till el dente (per packet instructions)- reserve 1/2-2/3 cup pasta water
- Blend the cottage cheese with 1/4 cup pasta water until smooth (pasta water helps to get a cream like consistency)
- To a pan, add 1 tsp olive oil, diced red onion, garlic and chilli flakes and sauté’ for a few minutes
- Add the tomato paste and stir for another minute. Add the shot of vodka and mix until cooked through.
- Add the blended cottage cheese with an extra 1/2 cup pasta water to the mix
- Bring to a light simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the cottage cheese is mixed through
- Add the parmesan cheese and cooked pasta and mix until well combined
- Equally divide between 4 serves and add 1 chopped chicken breast on top. Serve with extra parmesan and enjoy