Creamy Chicken Vodka Pasta

This creamy chicken vodka pasta is a rich and indulgent dish that combines tender chicken, gluten-free pasta, and a velvety vodka-infused sauce. The creamy sauce, made with vodka pasta sauce, heavy cream, and melted mozzarella, creates the perfect balance of flavors. The addition of fresh tomatoes, basil olive oil, and Italian seasonings elevates the taste, making this dish a family favorite. Easy to make in one skillet, this creamy pasta is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cups Boticelli vodka pasta sauce
• 2 ¼ cups water
• 1 cup cooked, diced chicken
• 1 tablespoon olive oil + 3 teaspoons (use code 15GOLDENGK for 15% off)
• 1 teaspoon basil olive oil (use code 15GOLDENGK for 15% off)
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• ⅓ cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 12 oz gluten-free rigatoni pasta
• 1 tablespoon minced onion
• 1 tablespoon OliveNation dried shallots
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon roasted garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. In a large cast-iron skillet (preferably porcelain-coated), heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Once the oil is heated, add the cherry tomatoes, dried shallots, and minced onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and break down.
3. Add the vodka sauce, water, Italian seasoning, salt, and roasted garlic powder to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
4. Add the gluten-free rigatoni pasta, increase the heat to medium-high, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, cover the skillet with a lid.
5. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 9-12 minutes, or until the pasta reaches an al dente texture, ensuring the pasta doesn’t stick to the pan.
6. Lower the heat to medium, remove the lid, and stir in the heavy cream, cooked chicken, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
7. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for another 3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.
8. Garnish with fresh basil and top with extra fresh mozzarella or Parmesan cheese before serving.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy chicken vodka pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, gluten-free pasta, and a velvety sauce made with vodka sauce, cream, and melted mozzarella. The addition of fresh tomatoes and dried shallots elevates the flavor, while the basil olive oil brings a hint of freshness. It’s a quick, easy-to-make dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavor right in your kitchen, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasions.

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Tips

• Pasta Cooking Tip: Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking together. The sauce and pasta will absorb all the delicious flavors as it simmers.
• Cheese Tip: Use freshly shredded mozzarella for a creamier, meltier texture. Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly.
• Adjust Consistency: If the sauce thickens too much, add a bit more water or heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Chicken: You can swap the chicken for other protein options like shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Pasta: If you don’t need a gluten-free option, regular rigatoni or penne pasta will work perfectly in this recipe.
• Dairy-Free Option: To make this recipe dairy-free, use a dairy-free mozzarella cheese alternative and substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a bit of spice in your pasta.

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FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time, and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop and add the cheese and chicken just before serving.

Can I freeze this pasta?
While the dish can be frozen, the texture of the mozzarella and cream may change slightly upon reheating. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months and reheat on low heat with a little extra cream or water to restore the consistency.

Can I use regular vodka sauce?
Yes, if you prefer, you can use any brand of vodka sauce in place of the Boticelli vodka pasta sauce. Look for a sauce with rich flavor for the best result.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve this creamy chicken vodka pasta with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• For extra richness, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and top with fresh basil leaves just before serving.
• Pair this dish with a glass of white wine, like a crisp Chardonnay, to complement the creamy texture and savory flavors of the pasta.