If Chicken Parm and Vodka Sauce had a delicious love child, this would be it. And trust me — you’re gonna fall hard! This recipe brings together crispy golden chicken cutlets, a rich and creamy vodka sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and a gooey blanket of melted mozzarella. It’s indulgent, comforting, and ridiculously satisfying.
Whether you’re cooking for a romantic date night or just want to treat yourself (yes, you deserve it!), this dish brings restaurant vibes right to your kitchen — no reservations needed.
Let’s break it down, garlic cloves first. 😉
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parm with Vodka Sauce
✨ Ultimate comfort food – Crispy chicken meets creamy pasta.
🧄 Loaded with flavor – Garlic, tomato paste, vodka, Parm… it’s giving everything.
💖 A fun twist on a classic – Perfect for mixing up your usual pasta night.
👩🍳 Impresses every time – Whether it’s for guests or just your own main character moment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep it simple but flavorful. Here’s your grocery list:
For the Chicken:
- 2 thin chicken breasts
- 1 cup flour
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder (for seasoning)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, scrambled
- 2 cups canola oil (for frying)
For the Vodka Sauce:
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 shot vodka
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan
- Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (optional, for kick)
For Serving:
- 1/2 lb pasta (penne, rigatoni, fusilli, whatever you love!)
- Pasta water (always save some!)
- Extra Parmesan and mozzarella for topping
- Fresh basil (optional but delish)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Chicken Parm with Vodka Sauce
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta in generously salted water. Cook it until al dente — because it’ll finish off in the sauce later. Don’t forget to save a little pasta water before draining!
2. Bread the Chicken
Grab three shallow dishes:
- One for the flour + salt, pepper, garlic powder
- One for the scrambled eggs
- One for the breadcrumbs
Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Press gently to coat evenly.
3. Fry Until Crispy
In a large pan, heat canola oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add your chicken cutlets and cook until crispy and golden brown on both sides. Set them aside on a wire rack or paper towels.
Tip: Don’t crowd the pan — give your chicken some room to crisp!
4. Make That Dreamy Vodka Sauce
In a clean pan, melt butter with olive oil. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant — your kitchen should smell heavenly right now.
Stir in the tomato paste and let it darken slightly, about 2-3 minutes. Pour in your shot of vodka (carefully!) and stir. Then, add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Add your Parmesan and stir until creamy and smooth. You should have a silky, dreamy sauce that clings to a spoon.
5. Assemble the Chicken Parm
Spoon some vodka sauce over each piece of crispy chicken and top with mozzarella. Broil for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden. It’s giving melty masterpiece energy!
6. Coat the Pasta in Sauce
Toss your cooked pasta in the remaining vodka sauce, adding a splash of pasta water to help everything come together. Add a little more Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy (always say yes to more cheese!).
7. Plate & Serve
Pile that creamy pasta onto a plate, add your golden, cheesy chicken on top, and finish with cracked black pepper, more Parm, or fresh basil if you’re feelin’ extra. Then grab your fork and prepare to fall in love 😍
Pro Tips & Variations
💡 No vodka? No problem! You can substitute with broth or simply skip it — the sauce will still be rich and flavorful.
💡 Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a touch of Calabrian chili paste for a kick.
💡 Want it lighter? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
💡 Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumb alternatives to keep it celiac-safe.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers? Lucky you!
- Store: In an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: In a pan over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in 30-second bursts.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Parm with Vodka Sauce might just be your new go-to comfort meal. It’s rich, flavorful, and just fancy enough to feel like a treat. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, date night, or just because it’s Wednesday and you deserve something fabulous — this dish hits every time.
And hey, if you make this, tag me @KeiraRecipes and show off that cheesy fork pull — I live for those! 🧀💕
Meta Description (Optimized):
Crispy Chicken Parm with creamy Vodka Sauce and pasta? Yes, please! This easy dinner recipe combines comfort and flavor in every cheesy bite.