High Protein Penne with Vodka Sauce
Elevate your pasta night with this hearty and flavorful High Protein Penne with Vodka Sauce! Made with protein-packed chickpea penne and tender, sautéed chicken breast, this recipe is a nutritious twist on the classic Italian favorite. The creamy, velvety vodka sauce—infused with aromatic garlic, onion, and a hint of red pepper flakes—coats every bite of pasta in irresistible richness. With just the right balance of crushed tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil garnishes, this dish offers a vibrant medley of flavors. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that satisfies both your cravings and your nutritional goals. Indulge in bold taste and high protein in every forkful!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Chickpea penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 0.25 cup Tomato paste
- 0.33 cup Vodka
- 1 cup Crushed tomatoes
- 0.75 cup Heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
- 0.25 cup Fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the chickpea penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and black pepper.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until it deepens in color. Carefully add the vodka to the skillet and stir, scraping any bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2 minutes.
Add the crushed tomatoes and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the red pepper flakes. Stir in the parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated with the sauce.
Serve the High Protein Penne with Vodka Sauce hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil on top.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3278 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 138.8 g | 178% | |
| Saturated Fat | 56.1 g | 280% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 606 mg | 202% | |
| Sodium | 3504 mg | 152% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 233.8 g | 85% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 40.1 g | 143% | |
| Total Sugars | 32.0 g | ||
| Protein | 231.6 g | 463% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 1035 mg | 80% | |
| Iron | 27.2 mg | 151% | |
| Potassium | 5783 mg | 123% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
