Name: Penne alla Vodka
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 28 oz crushed tomatoes; 1/2 cup vodka; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish); salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

Penne alla Vodka is a delightful Italian-American classic that brings a cozy, comforting taste to your dinner table. With its rich, creamy sauce and the perfect balance of tangy tomatoes and smooth vodka, this dish is a feast for the senses. When you twirl that penne around your fork, each bite envelops you in a velvety hug that warms the heart. Not only is it delicious, it is also incredibly easy to whip up—a true gem among pasta recipes!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Penne alla Vodka
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Penne alla Vodka

One of the beauties of Penne alla Vodka lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to impress dinner guests. Whether you’re craving an easy dinner or a comforting meal after a long day, this creamy pasta recipe delivers on all fronts. Trust me, after you try this dish, it may just become a staple in your kitchen. Excited to help you bring this Italian-American delight to life!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With a prep time of just 10 minutes, you can have this on the table in 30—perfect for busy weeknights!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of vodka, cream, and Parmesan creates a rich, luscious sauce that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of the sauce alongside the penne make this dish not just tasty but visually stunning too.
Flexible Serving: Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a festive gathering, this dish suits any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: Swap the heavy cream for a plant-based alternative for a lighter, dairy-free version.

Ingredients You’ll Need

12 oz penne pasta: This classic pasta shape holds the sauce beautifully, making each bite flavorful. Feel free to use gluten-free penne if needed.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds depth and richness. Extra virgin is ideal for its robust flavor but regular olive oil works too.
1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and a bit of texture to the sauce. If you’re in a hurry, use shallots instead.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Elevates the dish with aromatic qualities and a comforting essence. Don’t skip this ingredient!
28 oz crushed tomatoes: Essential for that rich tomato base. Make sure to choose high-quality tomatoes for the best flavor.
1/2 cup vodka: Enhances the sauce by balancing the acidity of the tomatoes—just don’t use flavored vodka.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle kick. Adjust according to your heat preference or omit for milder tastes.
1/2 cup heavy cream: Transforms this dish into a creamy dream. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version, though it may change the richness slightly.
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Incorporates an element of umami and thickness. Grate it fresh for the best melt and flavor—pre-grated won’t give the same creamy texture.
Fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish): Bright and aromatic, it adds the perfect finishing touch. You could use parsley as an alternative.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning at all stages for maximum flavor enhancement.

How to Make Penne alla Vodka

Bring Water to Boil: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 12 oz penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, but don’t forget to reserve 1 cup of that starchy noodle water for later!

Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Then, toss in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute until fragrant—your kitchen will smell fantastic!

Add Vodka: Carefully pour in 1/2 cup vodka and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial; it allows the alcohol to evaporate while retaining a great flavor that complements the sauce.

Incorporate Tomatoes and Red Pepper Flakes: Stir in 28 oz crushed tomatoes and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer gently for 10-12 minutes; watch for it to thicken and deepen in flavor, bubbling around the edges—it’s like a pasta symphony!

Mix in Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the sauce is silky and smooth. Season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste—this is where you can adjust to your preference!

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss in the cooked penne pasta, gently mixing until it’s fully coated in the sauce. Use that reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired consistency—it can be a magic ingredient for perfect creaminess!

Garnish and Serve: Finish off your dish with torn fresh basil leaves for that aromatic touch. Serve it hot, sit back, and watch your friends and family enjoy this creamy goodness!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the Penne alla Vodka in a suitable container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to help refresh the sauce. The texture will change slightly, but it will still be delicious!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Always cook the penne just until al dente. It will continue cooking in the sauce and absorb flavors.
For the creamiest sauce, use heavy cream but if you want a lighter dish, half-and-half works in a pinch.
If the sauce is too thick, don’t hesitate to add more reserved pasta water. It helps achieve that silky texture.
Taste and adjust seasonings—don’t be shy to balance the flavors as per your preference!
Consider making the sauce a day ahead! It actually deepens in flavor when left overnight in the fridge.

Penne alla Vodka is not just a meal; it’s an experience that comforts and delights. Embrace the creamy goodness, try different variations, and don’t hesitate to add your personal touch. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with extras like fresh spinach or grilled chicken, you’ll find joy in every bite.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit any meat and enjoy the rich, creamy sauce with just vegetables. You can even add more veggies, like spinach or mushrooms, to enhance the dish.

What type of vodka should I use?

You don’t need the highest-end vodka, but avoid flavored varieties. A good mid-range vodka will work perfectly as it helps to deglaze the skillet and pick up all the delicious flavors.

How can I make this dish spicy?

If you love heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some chopped fresh chili peppers. You could also drizzle some chili oil over the finished dish for extra spice!

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! You can make the sauce a day ahead and keep it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently on the stove before tossing it with freshly cooked pasta for a quick dinner.