Vodka Penne Pasta: Creamy, Flavorful, and Irresistible
Rich, creamy, and full of bold flavors, Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe has become a beloved comfort food that combines the best of Italian cuisine with a touch of indulgence. The silky tomato-cream sauce, subtly infused with vodka, creates a unique depth of flavor that elevates simple pasta into a restaurant-quality dish. Each bite offers a balance of tangy tomato, luscious cream, aromatic garlic, and a hint of spice, all clinging perfectly to al dente penne.
Vodka penne pasta is more than just a dinner; it’s a culinary experience. It’s perfect for impressing guests, celebrating a special occasion, or simply enjoying a cozy weeknight meal at home. Cooking it from scratch allows you to control the richness, seasoning, and texture, resulting in a dish that is fresh, flavorful, and customizable to your tastes. The combination of creamy sauce and tender pasta makes every forkful comforting and satisfying, turning a simple dinner into a memorable meal.
Ingredients Needed
Below is a complete ingredient list with approximate calorie counts for 4 servings:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approximate Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Penne pasta | 12 oz (340 g) | 1,260 kcal |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | 240 kcal |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 cloves | 15 kcal |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 medium | 45 kcal |
| Crushed tomatoes | 28 oz (800 g) | 150 kcal |
| Heavy cream | ¾ cup | 600 kcal |
| Vodka | ¼ cup | 65 kcal |
| Red pepper flakes | ¼ tsp | 5 kcal |
| Salt | 1 tsp | 0 kcal |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | 0 kcal |
| Fresh basil, chopped | ¼ cup | 5 kcal |
| Parmesan cheese, grated (optional) | ½ cup | 200 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Deglaze with Vodka
Carefully pour vodka into the skillet and simmer for 2–3 minutes to cook off the alcohol while infusing the sauce with flavor.
4. Add Tomatoes
Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
5. Incorporate Cream
Lower heat and stir in heavy cream, creating a smooth, rich sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce is velvety.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add cooked penne to the skillet and toss until evenly coated. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
7. Finish and Serve
Stir in fresh basil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Spice Level: Increase red pepper flakes for more heat or omit for a milder version.
- Protein Additions: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage for a heartier meal.
- Vegetables: Spinach, peas, or roasted red peppers add color, flavor, and nutrition.
- Cheese Options: Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- Cream Variation: Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter, less rich version.
Nutritional Information
Approximate values per serving (4 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 645 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 85 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 500 mg |
| Vitamin A | 15% DV |
| Calcium | 20% DV |
Vodka penne pasta provides a satisfying balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats, along with vitamins from fresh tomatoes and basil, making it both indulgent and nourishing.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Garnish with extra fresh basil and Parmesan for a beautiful presentation.
- Enjoy with a chilled glass of white wine, like Pinot Grigio, or a light red wine, such as Chianti.
Vodka Penne Pasta: Creamy, Flavorful, and Irresistible
4
servings10
minutes20
minutes645
kcalIngredients
12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
28 oz (800 g) crushed tomatoes
¾ cup heavy cream
¼ cup vodka
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil salted water and cook penne until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and red pepper flakes for 1–2 minutes.
- Deglaze with Vodka:
- Pour in vodka and simmer 2–3 minutes to cook off alcohol and infuse flavor.
- Add Tomatoes:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10–12 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Incorporate Cream:
- Lower heat and stir in heavy cream. Simmer 2–3 minutes until sauce is smooth and velvety.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add cooked penne to the skillet, toss to coat, and adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Finish and Serve:
- Stir in fresh basil and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top if desired. Serve immediately.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Vodka Tips: Vodka doesn’t make the sauce taste alcoholic; it helps release flavors from the tomatoes and balances the creaminess. You can skip it and use chicken or vegetable broth if preferred.
Pasta Cooking: Cook penne al dente so it holds the sauce well. Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
Spice Level: Red pepper flakes add a subtle kick. Adjust to taste or omit for a milder version.
FAQs
1. What makes vodka penne pasta unique?
Vodka penne pasta features a creamy tomato sauce with a splash of vodka, which helps release the flavors of the tomatoes and adds subtle depth to the sauce without making it taste alcoholic.
2. Can I skip the vodka in the recipe?
Yes, you can. The dish will still be delicious. Simply replace vodka with a small amount of chicken or vegetable broth to maintain the sauce’s consistency and flavor depth.
3. Which pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne is ideal because its tube shape holds the creamy sauce well. Rigatoni or ziti are good alternatives, and spaghetti can also work for a lighter texture.
4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Omit any meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if desired. You can also add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
5. How do I make the sauce extra creamy?
Stir in heavy cream slowly over low heat and avoid boiling the sauce after adding cream. Using a splash of pasta water can also help achieve a silky, smooth consistency.
Conclusion
Vodka penne pasta is a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and subtly smoky flavors, making it a standout dish for any occasion. Its combination of rich tomato sauce, velvety cream, aromatic basil, and al dente pasta creates a comforting yet sophisticated meal. Quick to prepare but impressive in taste, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen with minimal effort. Whether for a special dinner, weeknight treat, or entertaining guests, vodka penne pasta is a delicious, memorable dish that satisfies both the palate and the soul.
