Creamy Penne Alla Vodka Pasta Recipe: A Dreamy Italian Classic

Comfort meets elegance in this classic penne alla vodka recipe that effortlessly blends creamy tomato sauce with perfectly cooked pasta.

The rich, velvety sauce simmers with depth and warmth, promising a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen.

Authentic Italian flavors dance through each bite, creating a harmonious balance of tangy and smooth textures.

Minimal ingredients come together to craft a dish that feels both luxurious and comforting.

Simple techniques transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will impress even the most discerning palates.

This recipe offers a foolproof method to create a restaurant-worthy pasta that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to fall in love with a pasta dish that’s sure to become a cherished favorite at your dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients Needed For Penne Alla Vodka Pasta

• Penne: Choose high-quality durum wheat pasta for perfect al dente texture and optimal sauce absorption.

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth base for sautéing and adds rich Mediterranean flavor.
• Onion: Creates foundational aromatic sweetness and depth for sauce.
• Garlic: Delivers intense, punchy flavor and enhances overall sauce complexity.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and vibrant spiciness to balance creamy sauce.
• Vodka: Helps release flavor compounds and adds sophisticated depth to tomato sauce.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Delivers bright, tangy base and rich tomato essence for sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky texture and mellows tomato's acidity.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty dimension and creamy thickness to final dish.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley: Provides fresh, bright garnish with herbaceous aroma.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances and balances overall flavor profile of the dish.

Tools To Make Penne Alla Vodka Pasta

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta with salted water.
• Large skillet or saucepan: Perfect for creating rich vodka sauce.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir and mix ingredients smoothly.
• Colander: Necessary for draining cooked pasta.
• Cutting board: Used for chopping onions and garlic.
• Chef's knife: Helps prepare ingredients precisely.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Cheese grater: For freshly grating Parmesan cheese.

Steps To Cook Penne Alla Vodka Pasta

• Boil Water and Cook Pasta

Grab a big pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt, then bring it to a rolling boil. Toss in the penne and cook until it’s perfectly tender but still has a slight bite. Drain the pasta, keeping a small cup of the starchy water on the side.

• Create Flavor Base

Warm up some olive oil in a large pan. Toss in finely chopped onions and let them dance around until they turn soft and golden. Quickly add minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

• Splash in the Vodka

Pour in the vodka and let it sizzle and reduce. The alcohol will cook off, leaving behind a rich, deep flavor that makes this dish special.

• Build the Creamy Sauce

Add crushed tomatoes to the pan and let everything simmer gently. Slowly stir in heavy cream, transforming the sauce into a luxurious, velvety mixture. Season with salt and pepper to bring out all the delicious flavors.

• Marry Pasta and Sauce

Slide the cooked penne into the sauce. Gently toss everything together, making sure each pasta piece gets a perfect coating. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to create a silky texture.

• Finish with Final Touches

Sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and watch it melt into the sauce. Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves for a burst of brightness. Serve hot and enjoy your restaurant-quality meal!

Smart Cooking Tips For Penne Alla Vodka Pasta

• Pasta Water Magic: Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency, creating a silky, perfectly coated dish that clings beautifully to the penne.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference – from mild whispers to fiery kick, personalize the warmth to your taste buds.
• Vodka Substitution Hack: If avoiding alcohol, replace vodka with chicken broth or white grape juice to maintain sauce depth and complexity without compromising flavor.
• Protein Power-Up: Transform this vegetarian pasta into a hearty meal by adding grilled chicken, crispy pancetta, or sautéed shrimp for extra protein and texture.
• Dairy-Free Twist: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to create a luscious, plant-based version that's equally creamy and satisfying for lactose-intolerant or vegan friends.

How To Serve Penne Alla Vodka Pasta

• Fresh Herbal Sprinkle: Chop fresh basil or parsley just before serving to add a bright, aromatic finish that cuts through the rich, creamy sauce and provides a pop of green color.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the pasta's creamy tomato flavor with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a medium-bodied red such as Chianti, which balances the dish's richness.
• Texture Boost: Top with toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the smooth, velvety sauce, adding an unexpected layer of texture to each bite.
• Side Dish Companion: Serve alongside a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or garlic bread to cut through the pasta's richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy sauce.

How To Store Penne Alla Vodka Pasta

• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover penne alla vodka in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Keep sauce and pasta together to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Freezing Technique: Carefully transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, ensuring minimal air exposure. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Revive cold pasta by adding a splash of water or cream while warming gently in a skillet. Stir consistently to prevent sticking and restore creamy consistency. Medium-low heat works best.
• Lunch Prep Hack: Pack individual portions in sealed containers for quick workday meals. Include small herb garnish packet separately to maintain freshness and add vibrant flavor just before eating.

Dreamy Penne Alla Vodka Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy penne alla vodka pasta blends Italian culinary traditions with rich, velvety sauce. Parmesan cheese and fresh basil elevate this classic comfort dish for home cooks seeking delightful Mediterranean flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
• 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup vodka
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Immerse penne pasta, cooking until achieving a precise al dente consistency. Drain, reserving a small amount of starchy cooking liquid.
2. Aromatic Foundation: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onions until translucent, then introduce minced garlic and red pepper flakes, creating a flavor-packed base that releases intense aromatics.
3. Vodka Transformation: Pour vodka into the skillet, allowing it to simmer and reduce, mellowing its sharp edge and developing a sophisticated flavor profile. Add crushed tomatoes, creating a robust sauce that simmers gently while stirring periodically.
4. Creamy Integration: Fold heavy cream into the tomato mixture, developing a silky, luxurious texture. Incorporate the perfectly cooked pasta, ensuring each piece is thoroughly enrobed in the vibrant sauce. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
5. Final Embellishment: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it dissolves completely into the sauce. Finish with a flourish of chopped fresh basil or parsley, bringing a bright, herbaceous note that elevates the entire dish’s sensory experience.

Notes

• Preserve Pasta Water: Keep a small cup of starchy pasta water before draining. This liquid gold helps adjust sauce consistency and adds silky smoothness to your final dish.
• Choose Quality Vodka: Select a clean, neutral vodka that won’t overpower the sauce’s delicate flavor profile. Higher-quality vodka ensures a more refined taste without harsh alcohol notes.
• Master Sauce Reduction: Simmer vodka slowly to allow alcohol to evaporate completely, transforming sharp liquor into a nuanced flavor enhancer. Patience prevents bitter undertones and creates a more balanced sauce.
• Temperature Control: Maintain medium-low heat when adding cream to prevent separation or curdling. Gentle incorporation ensures a smooth, luxurious sauce that coats pasta beautifully without breaking or becoming grainy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg