Fried Chicken + Creamy Vodka Sauce = Your New Favorite Pasta Combo
Creamy vodka sauce. Crispy fried chicken. Perfectly cooked penne pasta.
This Penne Vodka Pasta with Fried Chicken Thighs is everything you didn’t know you needed on a plate.
Brought to you by Shanaé M. Johnson, this dish is a perfect example of how Black home cooks flip classics into flavor-packed masterpieces. With spicy red pepper flakes, spinach, and a cheese-laced vodka cream sauce, it takes comfort food to the next level.
Topped with golden fried chicken thighs seasoned to perfection? Go ahead and add this to your dinner rotation. You’ll thank her later.
Ingredients List
For the Vodka Pasta:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ white onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup vodka
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups fresh spinach
- 12 oz penne pasta, cooked al dente
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Fried Chicken Thighs:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Just Shanaé All Purpose Seasoning (or your favorite blend)
- 1 cup chicken fry mix (or seasoned all-purpose flour)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season and Fry the Chicken
- Pat dry the chicken thighs and season generously with Just Shanaé All Purpose Seasoning.
- Dredge the chicken in chicken fry mix or seasoned flour.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry chicken thighs until golden brown and crispy, about 6–8 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
2. Make the Vodka Sauce
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant.
- Pour in the vodka and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
- Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Let it simmer gently until thick and creamy.
- Add in the spinach and cook until wilted.
- Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
3. Bring It All Together
- Toss the cooked penne pasta into the sauce, coating evenly.
- Slice or serve fried chicken thighs whole on top of the pasta.
- Garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve hot and dig in!
Pro Tips & Serving Suggestions
- Skip the Vodka? No problem — use chicken broth instead and it’ll still be rich and flavorful.
- Make It Spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
- Fry Like a Pro: Let the chicken rest 5 minutes after frying to keep it juicy and crisp.
- Complete the Plate: Serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad on the side.
About the Creator
This recipe is brought to you by Shanaé M. Johnson, the culinary creative behind @justshanae, where she shares bold, soulful dishes that flip everyday meals into something unforgettable.
Her signature seasoning blends and flavor-first approach make every bite just right.
Shanaé M. Johnson | @justshanae