Penne alla Vodka is a classic Italian-American dish that’s creamy, indulgent, and full of rich tomato flavor. The sauce combines ripe tomatoes, heavy cream, garlic, and a splash of vodka, which enhances the depth of flavor and gives the dish a subtle warmth without overwhelming the palate. Tossed with al dente penne pasta, it becomes a comforting, elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

This dish is beloved for its balance of tangy tomato, silky cream, and aromatic seasonings. Despite its restaurant-quality taste, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. The creamy tomato sauce clings beautifully to each piece of penne, delivering flavor in every bite.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s rich, comforting, and sophisticated while remaining easy enough for home cooking. The combination of creamy tomato sauce and vodka-infused depth elevates simple ingredients into a luxurious meal.

The sauce is luscious yet light enough that it never feels heavy, and the penne pasta soaks up the flavors perfectly.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it transforms simple pantry staples into a restaurant-worthy meal. The creamy tomato sauce is decadent yet balanced, and the vodka adds a subtle depth that sets it apart from basic pasta with tomato sauce.

It’s perfect for pasta lovers, impressive enough for entertaining, and quick enough to prepare on a weeknight.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: ~550 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian / Italian-American

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• ¼ cup vodka
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

1. In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Tomato Sauce

1. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Add Vodka

1. Carefully add vodka to the sauce.
2. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the alcohol to cook off and flavor to meld.

Step 5: Add Cream

1. Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in heavy cream.
2. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce is creamy and slightly thickened.

Step 6: Combine with Pasta

1. Add cooked penne pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
2. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve desired consistency.
3. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.

Step 7: Serve

1. Transfer pasta to serving plates or a large serving dish.
2. Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese.
3. Serve warm immediately.

How to Serve

• Serve with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
• Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a restaurant-quality presentation.
• Pair with a light red wine like Pinot Noir or Chianti for an authentic Italian experience.

Recipe Tips

• Vodka: Cook for at least 5 minutes to ensure alcohol is reduced, leaving only flavor.
• Cream: Use heavy cream for the richest texture; half-and-half can be used for a lighter version.
• Pasta water: Save some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
• Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley enhances the flavor and visual appeal.
• Spice level: Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for a subtle kick.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Penne alla Vodka: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
2. Chicken Penne alla Vodka: Add cooked chicken slices for a protein boost.
3. Shrimp Penne alla Vodka: Toss in sautéed shrimp for a seafood twist.
4. Vegetarian Version: Omit vodka if desired and add roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
5. Cheesy Penne alla Vodka: Stir in mozzarella or fontina for extra creamy texture.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or microwave. Add a splash of cream or pasta water to restore creaminess.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for pasta
• Skillet or sauté pan for sauce
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Cheese grater

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I make this dish without vodka?
Yes — the sauce will still be delicious, though slightly less nuanced in flavor.

Q2: Can I use penne whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?
Yes — adjust cooking time according to package instructions.

Q3: Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes — make the sauce a day in advance, refrigerate, and reheat before adding pasta.

Q4: Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely — add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Q5: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and omit Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese.

Conclusion

Penne alla Vodka with Creamy Tomato Sauce is a classic, indulgent pasta dish that’s simple to prepare yet impressive in flavor. Its creamy tomato sauce, enhanced with vodka and aromatic seasonings, makes it a comfort meal perfect for weeknights, date nights, or entertaining guests.

Versatile, quick, and full of flavor, this dish is a must-have in your pasta recipe collection. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of creaminess, tangy tomato, and aromatic herbs, making it a timeless favorite.