Instant Pot Pasta in Vodka Sauce that does not taste boozy.

Instead, of a boozy taste, the vodka gives the sauce a more interesting taste.

Instant Pot Pasta in Vodka Sauce

This is a lower in fat version of chicken and pasta in vodka sauce made in an instant pot.
I like that this recipe can be made without the chicken and also, using healthier pasta choices as well.
That is another recipe idea that has been tweaked to a more healthier way of making it.
This recipe however, is made in an instant pot (or pressure cooker) rather than on the stove.

Did you try my pasta with avocado and spinach sauce recipe?

Do you want to learn more about the Mediterranean Diet?
Find out how to follow the Mediterranean Diet here.

This recipe is especially for anyone asking how do you make vodka sauce from scratch.

I suppose that everyone has their special recipe for vodka sauce.
However, the one ingredient that all of the recipes most likely have in them is vodka.

The vodka that is added to the sauce is done purely for the effect that vodka has on the flavor of the sauce.

In theory, the alcohol from the vodka will burn off when heated.
However, the vodka flavoring balances out the other ingredients to yield something special as well as helping to tenderize the chicken or meat that is added.

You may be asking, is vodka sauce unhealthy.

Vodka sauce is traditionally made with heavy cream.
Heavy cream is traditionally a source of high fat, which some folks like in a creamy sauce.

However, heavy cream is not a popular choice in the Mediterranean diet.

In order to make this a healthier, or more Mediterranean diet friendly we will use Greek Yogurt instead of heavy cream. Vegans are welcome to use soy milk (10 tablespoons) and olive oil (2 ½ tablespoons) or ¼ cup of silken tofu blended with ¼ cup of soy milk.

Tips for making Vodka Sauce.

I just mentioned that Vodka sauce is traditionally a creamy sauce thanks to the heavy cream that is added to it. However, I offered a few alternatives that can be used in place of the heavy cream.

Here are some more great tips for you.

1. This recipe calls for chicken breast. I suggest cutting the chicken breast into bite sized pieces to make it easier to eat. Vegans can use a chicken alternative or perhaps a vegetable such as large mushrooms. However, not adding any chicken or alternative is also a possibility for everyone.
2. Since this is a thicker sauce, I suggest using a thicker pasta such as penne or fettuccini. You can find whole wheat pasta here.
3. Please note that if you are using an kind of alternative ingredients, that you fully read the packaging on that ingredient. You may need to make adjustments in the recipe or ingredients when using a different kind of ingredient.

I am sure that someone will be asking how to you make vodka sauce taste better.

The ‘tang’ that vodka can leave in this sauce after the alcohol has burned off, is not for everyone.
The best idea that I can offer is to balance that tang by adding other ingredients.

Sugar or marinara sauce sweetened with sugar is one way to balance the flavors in this recipe.

Seasonings are my favorite way to balance out flavors in a recipe in something.

This can include Italian Seasonings, Salt, and/or Pepper or even a Mediterranean Diet Seasoning Blend.

Lastly, what goes well with vodka sauce.

I like to serve any kind of a thicker sauce entrée with a light salad on the side as they seem to compliment one another. While the usual bread may seem like a no-brainer side to go with vodka sauce, bread can make the meal seem heavy and sometimes comes with the addition of butter on top.

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By the way, while you are here you may also be interested in these ideas.

• Easy Meatless Lasagna
• Vegan Oatmeal Cookies made with dates.
• Easiest Greek Salad in Vinaigrette Dressing.
• How to Make Fire Roasted Tomatoes.
• Kale and Quinoa Caesar Salad.
• Mediterranean Style Green Bean Salad.
• Classic Eggplant Caponata.
• How to Follow the Mediterranean Diet.

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Instant Pot Pasta in Vodka Sauce

I mentioned above that this recipe calls for chicken breast. I suggest cutting the chicken breast into bite sized pieces to make it easier to eat. Vegans can use a chicken alternative or perhaps a vegetable such as large mushrooms. However, not adding any chicken or alternative is also a possibility for everyone.

Also mentioned, Vodka sauce is traditionally a creamy sauce thanks to the heavy cream that is added to it.

In order to make this a more Mediterranean diet friendly we will use Greek Yogurt instead of heavy cream. Vegans are welcome to use soy milk (10 tablespoons) and olive oil (2 ½ tablespoons) or ¼ cup of silken tofu blended with ¼ cup of soy milk.

Ingredients needed to make Pasta in Vodka Sauce.

• Olive Oil– 2 tablespoons. ‘Enthusiasts’ are welcomed to use the usual real butter however.
• Chicken Breast- 3 skinless and boneless. Slice this into bite-sized pieces. Can omit if desired for vegan option.
• Garlic– 4 cloves (about four teaspoons) minced.
• Crushed Tomatoes– 1 ¼ cups. ‘Enthusiasts’ are welcome to use the usual marinara sauce however, please not that marinara sauce usually has sugar added to it. Regular pasta sauce can be used as well as an alternative to crushed tomatoes.
• Water- 3 cups room temperature.
• Vodka- ½ cup. Cheap vodka works well in vodka sauce.
• Pasta- 12 ounces. I suggest using a thicker pasta such as penne or fettuccini (¾ of a 16 ounce box). You can find whole wheat pasta here.
• Basil- ¼ cup
• Seasonings to taste. This can include Italian Seasonings, Mediterranean Diet Seasoning Blend, Salt, and/or Pepper.
• Greek Yogurt- ½ cup. Vegans are welcome to use soy milk (10 tablespoons) and olive oil (2 ½ tablespoons) or ¼ cup of silken tofu blended with ¼ cup of soy milk.
• Grated Cheese such as Parmesan , for serving.

How to make Instant Pot Pasta in Vodka Sauce, a low fat Mediterranean diet friendly version.

• Turn on Instant Pot to sauté. Add the olive oil and chicken, if using butter, melt the butter before adding the chicken. Cook the chicken in the instant pot until it appears mostly done (minimal pink if any). Then you can stir in the garlic and cook for two minutes or until the garlic becomes. fragrant.
• Next, add the tomatoes (or sauce if using sauce), vodka, and water to the instant pot. Note- If there was any browning on the bottom of the pot from the chicken cooking you can take a wooden spoon and scrape it up at this point.
• Add the pasta to the instant pot. If you are using a long noodle such as fettuccini, you will need to break it in half before placing in the pot. Take a set of tongs or wooden spoon and push down the pasta to get as much of it as possible submerged in the water as possible. You can add the basil as well as any optional desired seasoning to the pot at this point.
• Place the lid on to the pot and make sure to seal it. Turn the pot on to manual and four minutes. After the four minutes is up, do a quick release.
• Remove the lid and stir in the Greek Yogurt (or choice of alternative).
  Stir well and serve. Top with chopped parsley and parmesan cheese if desired.

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Nutritional Information is only an estimate and can vary especially with ingredients that are used.

Instant Pot Pasta in Vodka Sauce, a low fat Mediterranean diet friendly version of instant pot chicken and pasta in Vodka sauce.