Penne alla Vodka with Chicken
Penne alla Vodka with Chicken is a creamy, tomato-based pasta dish that combines penne pasta, chicken, a splash of vodka, and a rich sauce made from tomatoes, cream, and often onions or garlic. Originating from Italian-American cuisine, it's a popular comfort food that balances tangy, savory, and creamy flavors.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is typically high in carbs from the pasta, moderate in fat from the cream and chicken, and provides a good amount of protein from the chicken. A standard serving generally ranges from 600 to 800 calories, offering key nutrients like protein, calcium from dairy, and lycopene from tomatoes.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbs | 45 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
| Vitamin A | 150 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Calcium | 150 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
| Potassium | 400 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.5 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.5 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 250 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, Penne alla Vodka is a fascinating example of Italian-American fusion, as vodka is not traditionally used in Italian cooking but helps emulsify and enhance the sauce's flavors. Nutritionally, the addition of chicken boosts the protein content, making it a more balanced meal compared to the classic meatless version.
