Penne alla Vodka
Penne alla Vodka features tender pasta coated in a silky tomato-cream sauce enhanced by a splash of vodka, creating a balanced, smooth, and richly flavored dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The sauce is indulgent yet bright, blending creaminess with a subtle tang from tomatoes. Vodka enhances the overall flavor, making the sauce exceptionally smooth. It is simple, comforting, and consistently delicious.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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penne pasta
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crushed tomatoes
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heavy cream
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vodka
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garlic
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onion
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olive oil
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salt
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black pepper
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red pepper flakes
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parmesan cheese
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fresh basil
Directions
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Cook penne until al dente; set aside.
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Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
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Add vodka and simmer to reduce.
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Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
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Reduce heat and add cream, stirring until smooth.
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Toss cooked penne with the sauce.
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Garnish with parmesan and basil.
Servings and Timing
Serves 4.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Add grilled chicken or shrimp.
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Substitute cream with mascarpone for extra richness.
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Add peas for sweetness and color.
Storage/Reheating
Store up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Reheat on low heat with a splash of cream or water.
FAQs
Does the vodka flavor remain?
No, it cooks off and leaves only smoothness behind.
Can I omit the vodka?
Yes, but the sauce will be slightly less silky.
What pasta shapes work best?
Rigatoni, ziti, or fusilli.
Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Yes, if cooked down properly.
Is the dish spicy?
Only mildly; adjust red pepper flakes to taste.
Can the sauce be frozen?
Yes, freeze without pasta for best texture.
What cheese works best?
Freshly grated parmesan.
Why did my sauce separate?
Heat was too high; keep sauce at a gentle simmer.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut cream, though the flavor will differ.
Can I prepare it ahead?
Yes, sauce can be made 1–2 days in advance.
Conclusion
Penne alla Vodka is a comforting classic that combines elegance with ease. Its creamy, balanced flavor makes it ideal for both casual dinners and entertaining.
PrintPenne alla Vodka
Penne alla Vodka is a rich and creamy Italian pasta dish made with tomatoes, vodka, cream, and parmesan, creating a silky, flavorful sauce that perfectly coats al dente penne.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion until soft.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the vodka and cook for 3–4 minutes until mostly evaporated.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat and add heavy cream, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth.
- Add Parmesan, salt, and pepper, stirring until melted.
- Toss the cooked penne into the sauce, adding pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Stir in butter for extra richness, garnish with basil, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier sauce, increase the red pepper flakes.
- Use high-quality vodka for the cleanest flavor.
- Can substitute tomato paste mixed with a little water if you want a thicker sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: penne alla vodka, creamy pasta, Italian pasta recipe, vodka sauce
