Are you a fan of vodka sauce? This creamy and rich tomato-based sauce is a favorite among Italian food lovers. But what are the best dishes to pair with it?
Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just looking for some new meal ideas, we’ve got you covered. From chicken to shrimp, pasta to vegetables, there are plenty of options to choose from. And don’t forget about the perfect complements like salad and bread.
Keep reading for some delicious inspiration on what goes well with vodka sauce.
What Goes Well With Vodka Sauce?
There are endless possibilities when it comes to pairing dishes with vodka sauce. One classic combination is chicken and pasta. The creaminess of the sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken and al dente pasta. Shrimp is another great option, adding a touch of seafood flavor to the dish.
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try pairing vodka sauce with rice or vegetables. The sauce adds a burst of flavor to these simple dishes, making them anything but boring.
But what about the perfect complements? A green salad is always a great choice, adding some freshness to the rich flavors of the sauce. And don’t forget about bread! A crusty loaf is perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.
If you’re looking for some specific dish ideas, consider serving penne alla vodka with rosemary olive oil bread, pan-seared scallops, grilled Tuscan steak, veggie balls, or chicken Milanese. For some tasty sides, try garlic parmesan brussels sprouts, spicy roasted pork loin, tempeh bacon, roasted zucchini salad, or baked asparagus fries.
And what about drinks? A bright and fruity Italian red wine like Sangiovese pairs nicely with the creamy sauce.
Chicken Dishes To Pair With Vodka Sauce
Chicken and vodka sauce is a classic combination that never fails to impress. The tender chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy tomato vodka sauce, creating a hearty and satisfying dish. Here are some chicken dishes that you can pair with vodka sauce for a delicious meal:
1. Chicken Penne alla Vodka: This dish is a classic for a reason. The penne pasta and grilled or sauteed chicken are tossed in a rich and creamy tomato vodka sauce, creating a restaurant-quality meal that you can make at home.
2. Chicken Parmesan: This Italian-American favorite is made by coating chicken breasts in breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then frying them until crispy. Serve the chicken with a generous dollop of vodka sauce for a decadent meal.
3. Chicken Marsala: This dish features tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich Marsala wine sauce. Add a touch of vodka sauce to the mix for an extra burst of flavor.
4. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinate chicken skewers in your favorite spices and grill them to perfection. Serve them with a side of vodka sauce for dipping.
5. Chicken Alfredo: Swap out the traditional Alfredo sauce for vodka sauce to create a rich and creamy pasta dish that’s sure to please.
No matter which chicken dish you choose, pairing it with vodka sauce is sure to result in a delicious and satisfying meal.
Seafood Options That Complement Vodka Sauce
Seafood and vodka sauce are a match made in heaven. While shrimp is a classic choice, there are other seafood options that work just as well. Scallops and lobster are both delicious options that pair perfectly with the creamy tomato sauce.
When it comes to cooking with seafood and vodka sauce, it’s important to choose the right pasta. Fettuccine is a great choice for dishes that incorporate shrimp or lobster, as it complements the rich flavors of the seafood. For scallops, try using spaghetti or linguine, which have a lighter texture.
If you’re looking for some specific seafood dishes to pair with vodka sauce, consider making shrimp scampi or lobster fra diavolo. Both of these dishes incorporate the bold flavors of seafood with the creamy tomato sauce, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.
Another option is to add clams or mussels to your vodka sauce pasta dish. The briny flavor of the shellfish pairs perfectly with the acidity of the tomato sauce, creating a complex and flavorful dish.
No matter what type of seafood you choose, be sure to cook it properly before adding it to your vodka sauce. Seafood should be cooked until it’s just done, as overcooking can cause it to become tough and rubbery.
Vegetarian And Vegan Dishes For Vodka Sauce Lovers
For those who prefer vegetarian or vegan options, there are plenty of delicious dishes that pair well with vodka sauce. One great option is spaghetti squash with vegan vodka sauce, mushrooms, and spinach. This hearty and healthy dinner is both satisfying and flavorful.
Another option is to coat creamy vegan vodka sauce over penne pasta for a dairy-free penne alla vodka. This comforting classic will become a family favorite in no time. And if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using homemade gluten-free egg noodles.
If you’re looking to add more veggies to your plate, try serving the sauce with rice or roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts. The sauce adds a burst of flavor to these simple dishes, making them anything but boring.
For some specific dish ideas, consider serving vegan vodka sauce with rigatoni or ziti pasta. You can also try it with veggie balls or cauliflower mac and cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal.
And don’t forget about drinks! A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs nicely with the lightness of the sauce, while a bold red like Cabernet Sauvignon complements the richness of the dish.
No matter what your dietary preferences may be, there are plenty of delicious options to pair with vodka sauce. Experiment with different dishes and find your perfect combination!
Best Pasta Shapes For Vodka Sauce
When it comes to pasta shapes, there are a few that stand out as the best options for pairing with vodka sauce. One of the most popular choices is rigatoni. The hollow tubes of the pasta allow the sauce to seep inside, creating a delicious and flavorful bite every time.
Another great option is penne. This tube-shaped pasta has ridges that help to hold onto the sauce, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor. Penne alla vodka is a classic dish that showcases this perfect pairing.
For those looking for a more whimsical option, farfalle, or bowtie pasta, is a great choice. The ridges on the bowtie shape catch the sauce and hold it in place, creating a perfect sauce-to-pasta ratio with every bite.
If you’re in the mood for something heartier, try pairing vodka sauce with short, thick noodles like rigatoni or fusilli. These shapes can stand up to the richness of the sauce and provide a satisfying chewiness.
When it comes to long, thin noodles, spaghetti is a classic pairing for vodka sauce. However, fettuccine and linguine are also great options, especially when paired with a butter- or olive oil-based sauce.
In general, when pairing pasta shapes with vodka sauce, it’s best to follow the rule of “thin with thin, and thick with thick.” Pair smooth-surfaced, long, thin pasta with wetter, thinner sauces, and larger pasta shapes with richer, creamier sauces. With these guidelines in mind, you can create the perfect pasta dish to complement your delicious vodka sauce.
Perfect Sides To Serve With Vodka Sauce Dishes
If you’re looking to elevate your vodka sauce dish, consider pairing it with some delicious sides. Here are some perfect options to complement the rich and creamy flavors of the sauce:
1. Garlic Knots: These warm and buttery bread knots are perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.
2. Roasted Asparagus: The tender and crispy asparagus pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the sauce.
3. Sheet-Pan Panzanella: This classic Italian bread salad is a refreshing side dish that complements the richness of the pasta dish.
4. Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad: This fresh and crunchy salad adds a pop of green to your plate, while also providing a nice contrast to the creamy sauce.
5. No Knead Focaccia: This soft and chewy bread is perfect for dipping into the sauce, or even making mini sandwiches with your leftover pasta.
No matter what sides you choose, make sure to have plenty of them on hand to soak up every last drop of the delicious vodka sauce.
