High Protein Penne with Vodka Sauce

Elevate your pasta night with this High Protein Penne with Vodka Sauce, a creamy and flavorful dish that combines indulgence with a nutritious twist. Made with protein-packed chickpea penne and tender, golden-browned chicken breast, this recipe transforms the classic vodka sauce into a hearty, satisfying meal. The rich tomato-based sauce gets an extra depth of flavor from a splash of vodka, a touch of cream, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, while subtle heat from red pepper flakes keeps things exciting. Topped with fragrant fresh basil, this quick and easy pasta dish is ready in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners. Enjoy a balanced, protein-boosted meal that’s as comforting as it is wholesome! Keywords: high protein penne, vodka sauce pasta, chickpea pasta recipe, creamy pasta, easy weeknight dinner.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Add the crushed tomatoes and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8

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.

Step 9

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated with the sauce.

Step 10

Serve the High Protein Penne with Vodka Sauce hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil on top.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1613.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3278.4

Total Fat 138.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 56.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 605.6mg	0%
Sodium 3503.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 233.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 40.1g	0%
Total Sugars 32.0g
Protein 231.6g	0%

Vitamin D 22.7IU	0%
Calcium 1034.6mg	0%
Iron 27.2mg	0%
Potassium 5782.6mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.2%

Protein: 29.8%

Carbs: 30.1%