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15 Types of Meat That Go with Vodka Sauce

There are quite a few different kinds of meat that pair well with vodka sauce, and in this blog post, I’ll share 15 of them with you.

From beef to pork to lamb to poultry, I’ve got you covered!

Read Also: Vodka Sauce Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Vodka Sauce Meals

What Meat Goes with Vodka Sauce

The thing is…

Vodka sauce is a classic Italian pasta dish (also known as penne vodka) that can be made with many different kinds of meats.

So, what meat goes best with vodka sauce?

There are many options for what meat to pair with vodka sauce. You could go the traditional route and pair it with chicken, beef, or pork.

Or, you could get creative and try it with shrimp, lamb, or duck. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preference and what you think would taste best.

Keep scrolling for more!

What Meat Goes with Vodka Sauce?

The most common meat to pair with vodka sauce is chicken. Other meats that go well with this sauce include pork, beef, and seafood.

Vodka sauce also pairs well with vegetables, so you could also add in some broccoli, asparagus, or mushrooms to your dish.

Vodka sauce
Source: spoonforkbacon.com

Looking for more ideas?

Here are 15 kinds of meat that will pair perfectly with this delicious sauce:

1. Beef

Penne Alla Vodka With Ground Beef
Source: 4sonrus.com

Beef is definitely one of the best choices.

The rich flavor of beef pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce, and the hearty texture ensures that this dish is satisfying and filling.

If you’re looking for a classic recipe, try using ground beef or beef chuck roast.

Just remember to cook it until it’s nice and tender – otherwise, it won’t be as enjoyable to eat.

2. Pork

vodka sauce with pork
Source: whatsinthepan.com

In my opinion, pork is a great meat to pair with vodka sauce.

The tender texture and mild flavor of pork complement the sauce perfectly, without overwhelming the dish.

Plus, there are so many different ways to prepare pork that you can always find a new and interesting recipe to try.

So, if you’re looking for a delicious way to enjoy vodka sauce, I highly recommend pairing it with pork.

You won’t be disappointed!

3. Venison

vodka sauce with Venison
Source: hunttoeat.com

Venison has a delicate yet slightly gamey flavor that pairs well with this creamy sauce.

Additionally, its leaner texture means that it won’t overwhelm the other flavors in the dish.

So, the next time you’re making vodka sauce, consider using venison to take your meal to the next level.

4. Elk

Rigatoni A La Vodka with Elk Sausage
Source: tastemade.com

Another type of meat that goes particularly well with vodka sauce is elk.

Elk meat has a rich, gamey flavor that compliments the sauce nicely.

Additionally, elk meat is very lean and has a tender, slightly chewy texture.

This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy a hearty meal without all the fat and calories.

There are a few things to keep in mind when cooking elk meat.

First, be sure to cook the meat until it is slightly pink in the center.

This will help to ensure that the meat is juicy and flavorful.

Second, avoid overcooking the elk, as this can cause the meat to become tough and dry.

When prepared properly, elk makes a great addition to any vodka sauce recipe.

5. Lamb

Lamb

Lamb is another great choice.

The rich taste of lamb pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of vodka sauce, and the texture of the meat helps to offset the creaminess of the sauce.

If you’re looking for a truly indulgent meal, try pairing lamb with vodka sauce.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to experiment with this classic combo.

Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

  • Try pairing lamb chops with vodka sauce instead of pasta. The thick, juicy chops are a perfect match for the rich sauce.
  • Add some spice to your meal by using a hot or smoked variety of vodka in your sauce. Then, top your lamb and pasta with a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs for a bright flavor contrast.
  • If you’re short on time, you can even use a jarred vodka sauce as a shortcut. Just be sure to look for one that’s high quality and has good reviews. Once you’ve found your perfect sauce, simply cook your lamb in it until it’s tender and juicy.

6. Goat

Goat meat

Goat meat is a delicious and versatile option for cooked dishes.

Its texture is similar to lamb, but it has a milder flavor that some people find more palatable.

Goat meat pairs well with hearty flavors like garlic and rosemary, as well as creamy sauces like vodka sauce.

If you’re new to cooking goat meat, there are two things to keep in mind:

  • First, it’s important not to overcook the meat or it will become tough and chewy.
  • Second, because of its relatively low fat content, goat meat benefits from being cooked with a bit of oil or butter to help keep it moist. 

7. Chicken

Penne Alla Vodka with Chicken
Source: wellplated.com

Chicken is a versatile meat that pairs well with a variety of flavors.

Its mild taste means that it can be easily overcooked, so it’s important to pay attention to cooking times.

Chicken also has a tendency to dry out, so it’s often best to cook it in a sauce or stew.

For those looking for an easy weeknight meal, chicken goes well with vodka sauce.

The acidity of the tomato sauce helps to balance out the richness of the chicken, and the creaminess of the sauce ensures that the chicken stays moist.

8. Shrimp

shrimp in vodka sauce
Source: threeolivesbranch.com

There’s something about shrimp that just goes so well with vodka sauce.

Maybe it’s the texture, which is perfectly complemented by the creamy sauce.

Or maybe it’s the delicate flavor of the shrimp, which perfectly offsets the richness of the sauce.

Whatever the reason, shrimp and vodka sauce is a classic pairing that always hits the spot.

If you’re looking for a delicious recipe to try, I recommend a classic shrimp scampi with vodka sauce.

The dish is simple to make but packed with flavor.

And if you’re short on time, you can always pick up prepared shrimp scampi at your local grocery store.

Just be sure to top it off with a generous helping of homemade vodka sauce.

Whether you’re making it from scratch or taking a short cut, there are a few things to keep in mind when cooking shrimp scampi with vodka sauce.

  • First, be sure not to overcook the shrimp. They should be pink and slightly firm to the touch when done.
  • Second, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of vodka. A good quality vodka will add complexity and depth of flavor to the sauce.
  • And finally, if you want a little kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. The heat will perfectly balance out the richness of the dish.

9. Salmon

Penne alla Vodka with Salmon
Source: skinnyspatula.com

Salmon is one of my favorite kinds of fish to eat.

It has a firm, yet delicate texture that is perfect for absorbing sauces.

The taste is mild and slightly sweet, making it a versatile canvas for all sorts of flavors.

One of my favorite ways to enjoy salmon is with a creamy vodka sauce.

The sauce brings out the natural sweetness of the fish while adding a richness that is simply delicious.

For cooking tips, be sure to not overcook the salmon.

Just a few minutes on each side should do the trick.

10. Lobster

lobster with vodka sauce
Source: insidetherustickitchen.com

Lobster is a delicious and unusual choice for meat that goes well with vodka sauce.

The texture of lobster is firm and the taste is slightly sweet, making it a perfect complement to the rich and creamy sauce.

Lobster also has a delicate flavor that pairs well with the herbs and spices in vodka sauce.

For best results, cook the lobster meat in the sauce for a few minutes before serving.

This will help to infuse the sauce with the lobster’s flavor.

11. Turkey

Turkey

Turkey is another nice choice.

The texture of turkey is perfect for soaking up the rich and flavorful sauce, and the taste is subtle enough that it won’t overwhelm the other ingredients in your dish.

Plus, there are plenty of ways to cook turkey so that it’s succulent and delicious.

12. Duck

Duck Breast with Vodka Sauce
Source: thetaylor-house.com

Duck is a delicious and versatile type of poultry that can be cooked in a variety of ways.

One of its most distinguishing features is its rich, gamey flavor that pairs well with hearty sauces and rich sides.

Duck is also known for its unique texture, which many people find to be both juicy and tender.

When cooked properly, duck can make a delicious and elegant meal.

There are a few things to keep in mind when cooking duck:

  • First, it is important to properly prepare the duck by removing the fat and skin. This will help to ensure that the duck does not become too greasy or fatty when cooked.
  • Second, duck should be cooked slowly over low heat in order to retain its moisture and flavor.
  • Finally, duck goes well with a variety of sauces and sides, making it a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit any taste.

Whether you’re looking for a new recipe to try or simply want to learn how to cook duck, keep these tips in mind and you’ll be sure to impress your guests with this delicious and unique dish.

13. Goose

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been to a dinner party and been stuck eating dry chicken breasts while everyone else is tucking into a juicy steak.

It’s the worst.

If you’re looking for a meat that will really impress your guests, then look no further than goose.

Goose is a delicious option for any meal, but it really shines when paired with vodka sauce.

The rich, fatty flavor of the goose meat pairs perfectly with the acidity of the sauce, and the there’s no danger of the meat drying out.

If you’re looking for a guaranteed showstopper, then give this combination a try.

Trust me, your guests will be impressed.

14. Veal

Veal

I’m a big fan of veal.

I love the delicate texture and the way it takes on flavor so well.

When it’s cooked properly, veal is incredibly juicy and tender.

That’s why I think it goes so well with vodka sauce.

The rich, creamy sauce helps to offset the mild flavor of the veal, and the tenderness of the meat pairs perfectly with the silky sauce.

If you’re looking for a delicious meal, I highly recommend vodka sauce with veal.

The key is to cook the veal until it’s just barely pink in the center.

This will ensure that it stays tender and juicy.

15. Crab

Homemade Vodka Sauce with Crabmeat
Source: sidechef.com

Crab meat is a delicious, versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes.

This type of shellfish is known for its delicate flavor and tender texture, making it a popular choice for dishes like crab cakes and crab soup.

Additionally, crab meat pairs well with a number of other flavors, including creamy sauces like vodka sauce.

When cooked properly, crab meat provides a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to please any palate.

Here are some tips for cooking crab meat:

  • If using fresh crab meat, cook it as soon as possible after purchasing.
  • To ensure tenderness, cook crab meat over low heat until just heated through.
  • Pair crab with complementary flavors like lemon, garlic, or ginger.
Penne Alla Vodka with Chicken

What Meat Goes with Vodka Sauce? (15 Kinds of Meat)

When it comes to vodka sauce, there are a lot of different ways to make it. You can use different types of tomatoes, add in different spices, and even experiment with different types of meat.
I personally think that one of the best things you can do is to experiment with different types of meat when making vodka sauce.
Vodka sauce is a great way to get a little bit of variety in your diet, and it also allows you to really customize the flavor. I like to use a combination of chicken, bacon, and sausage when making my dish, but you can really use any type of meat that you want.
So if you're looking for a way to spice up your vodka sauce, I highly encourage you to experiment with different types of meat. Who knows, you might just find your new favorite recipe.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Main Course, Meat
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 410 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Beef
  • Pork
  • Venison
  • Elk
  • Lamb
  • Goat
  • Chicken
  • Shrimp
  • Salmon
  • Lobster
  • Turkey
  • Duck
  • Goose
  • Veal
  • Crab

Instructions
 

  • Pick your favorite kind of meat to serve with your sauce.
  • Prepare the rest of your delicious meal.
  • Enjoy in no time!
Keyword what meat goes with vodka sauce