If you are craving a rich and flavorful pasta dish that strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity, this Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender penne pasta enveloped in a luscious sauce made from silky cream, tangy tomato paste, and a splash of vodka that adds a subtle zing you won’t soon forget. The beauty of this recipe lies in how straightforward the ingredients are, yet the end result tastes like something from a cozy Italian trattoria. It’s exactly the kind of dish you’ll want to share with friends or savor on a special weeknight. Let me walk you through everything you need to recreate this comforting Italian classic in your own kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these simple but essential ingredients just right is the secret to the creamy, vibrant sauce that defines the Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role, from building layers of flavor to creating the perfect silky texture and inviting color.
- 500g / 1 lb penne or ziti: Choose your favorite short pasta with ridges to hold all that delicious sauce.
- 2 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the pasta water and enhancing overall flavor.
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil: Adds a lovely richness and helps gently cook the aromatics.
- 1/2 small onion, finely diced: The finer the dice, the better it melts into the sauce without overwhelming any bites.
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced: Garlic brings a subtle pungency and depth.
- 1/2 cup (140g / 4.5 oz) tomato paste: Provides a concentrated, tangy tomato base that brightens the creamy sauce.
- 1 1/4 cups heavy / thickened cream: The star ingredient that yields the sauce’s signature velvety smooth finish.
- 1/3 cup vodka: Adds a unique sharpness that cuts through richness, with alcohol evaporating off during cooking.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch of heat perfectly complements the creamy sauce for those who like a bit of spice.
- 3/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt: Balances flavors in the sauce itself.
- Pinch black pepper: Aromatic seasoning to finish off the sauce beautifully.
- 50g / 1 loosely packed cup freshly grated parmesan: Adds umami richness and helps thicken the sauce.
- 1/2 cup+ reserved pasta cooking water: Used to adjust sauce consistency for that perfect coating.
- 2 tsp parsley, finely chopped (optional): Gives a fresh pop of color and subtle herbaceousness at the end.
How to Make Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne and cook it until just al dente according to the package instructions—about 9 to 11 minutes, depending on your pasta. Save at least half a cup of this pasta water before draining; this starchy water is liquid gold for adjusting sauce texture later on.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely diced onion and let it gently soften until translucent, usually about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds until its fragrance fills the air—this quick step awakens the flavor base of your sauce.
Step 3: Add Tomato Paste
Next, stir in the tomato paste and cook it with constant stirring for a few minutes. This step caramelizes the tomato paste slightly, cutting any raw edges and deepening the sauce’s flavor profile, which is key for a well-rounded Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe sauce.
Step 4: Deglaze with Vodka
Pour in the vodka and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. The vodka infuses the sauce with its distinctive tang and aroma, while the heat ensures the alcohol cooks off, so all that remains is pure flavor.
Step 5: Add Cream and Season
Reduce the heat and gently stir in the heavy cream until the sauce turns silky smooth. At this stage, add the red pepper flakes if you enjoy a subtle kick, along with salt and black pepper to perfectly season the sauce. Let it simmer gently for about 4 to 5 minutes to thicken slightly and marry all the flavors together.
Step 6: Incorporate Parmesan and Pasta Water
Fold in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely, enriching the sauce further. If it feels too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it up while ensuring it clings beautifully to every piece of pasta.
Step 7: Toss Pasta in Sauce
Add your drained penne directly into the skillet with the sauce and toss thoroughly. The warm pasta will absorb some sauce, and heating it all together for another minute or two helps the flavors combine spectacularly.
Step 8: Serve
Plate your perfectly coated pasta and get ready to garnish before diving straight into this comforting dish.
How to Serve Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
The final flourish makes all the difference. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds an extra layer of cheesy goodness, while finely chopped fresh parsley lends a burst of green color and fresh aroma that brightens the entire dish.
Side Dishes
Pair this creamy masterpiece with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple lemon vinaigrette, or some garlic bread that soaks up every last drop of sauce. Light roasted vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli also provide a lovely textural contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil on top. You can even add a few sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms for an extra pop of flavor. Sharing this pasta at your next dinner party will surely impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it great for easy lunches or a quick dinner the next day.
Freezing
This pasta is best enjoyed fresh as the cream sauce may separate slightly after freezing. However, if needed, portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta slowly over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving directly to prevent the sauce from breaking and losing that signature silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne or ziti works best for holding the sauce, rigatoni or other short tubular pastas with ridges are fantastic alternatives to ensure every bite is coated in that creamy vodka goodness.
Is it necessary to use vodka in this recipe?
Vodka adds a unique flavor that balances the richness of the cream and tomato paste, but you can substitute it with chicken stock or broth for an alcohol-free version without losing the deliciousness.
How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?
Red pepper flakes are completely optional and can be adjusted based on your heat preference. They add just a gentle warmth that complements the creamy sauce without overwhelming it.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
To make a vegan or dairy-free version, swap heavy cream for coconut cream or a plant-based alternative, and use vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast instead. Keep in mind this will change the flavor and texture but can still be very tasty!
How do I know when the pasta is perfectly al dente?
Al dente means the pasta is cooked through but still has a slight firmness when bitten. Following package instructions usually helps, but tasting a piece before draining is the best way to ensure it has that ideal chewy texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something so irresistibly delightful about this Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe that makes it feel like a warm hug on a plate. It’s such a wonderful way to elevate simple pantry staples into a dish that feels special every time. If you’ve never made vodka pasta at home before, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a whirl—you may just find a new favorite to add to your dinner rotation!
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Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy vodka penne pasta recipe combines perfectly cooked al dente pasta with a rich, flavorful sauce made from tomato paste, vodka, and heavy cream. Enhanced with sautéed onions, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, this dish offers a smooth, indulgent taste with a subtle kick from optional red pepper flakes. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an easy yet elegant pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 500g / 1 lb penne or ziti (rigatoni also works)
- 2 tsp cooking salt (kosher salt for pasta water)
Sauce
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1/2 cup (140g / 4.5 oz) tomato paste (tomato puree for UK)
- 1 1/4 cups heavy/thickened cream (double cream for UK)
- 1/3 cup vodka (or chicken stock/broth for alcohol-free)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3/4 tsp cooking salt (halve if using table salt)
- Pinch black pepper
- 50g / 1 loosely packed cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1/2 cup+ reserved pasta cooking water
- 2 tsp parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes. Reserve at least half a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta thoroughly.
- Sauté Aromatics: While the pasta boils, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent and soft. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook it for a few minutes, stirring constantly to deepen the flavor and reduce sourness, ensuring it doesn’t stick or burn on the pan bottom.
- Deglaze with Vodka: Pour in the vodka and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the alcohol to cook off and infuse the sauce with its distinctive flavor.
- Add Cream and Season: Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Add red pepper flakes if using, cooking salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 4 to 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and all flavors meld together.
- Incorporate Parmesan and Pasta Water: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and blended into the sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, add reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time until the desired creamy consistency is achieved.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the drained pasta into the sauce, tossing well to coat every piece thoroughly. Continue cooking for another minute or two to heat everything through evenly.
- Serve: Plate the creamy vodka penne immediately. Garnish with finely chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For an alcohol-free version, substitute vodka with chicken stock or broth.
- Adjust the amount of pasta water to control sauce thickness to your preference.
- Use finely diced onion smaller than usual to ensure it softens quickly and blends smoothly.
- Red pepper flakes add a subtle spicy kick but are completely optional.
- Stir the sauce continuously after adding tomato paste to prevent sticking or burning.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and enhances flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
