Name: The Best Penne alla Vodka Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 1/2 small onion, finely chopped; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/4 cup vodka; 1/4 cup tomato paste; 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream; Salt & pepper, to taste; Fresh basil, sliced thin (optional, to taste); Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, to taste)

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Introduction

Penne alla Vodka is a creamy, comforting pasta dish that perfectly balances tangy tomato and smooth cream with a subtle kick from vodka. It’s quick to prepare and makes for an impressive yet easy weeknight dinner.

The image shows a close-up of penne pasta richly coated in a smooth, creamy orange sauce. The pasta is arranged in layers, with each penne tube fully covered in the velvety sauce. Scattered all over are thin green strips of fresh basil, adding a pop of color and texture. Finely grated cheese lightly dusts the top, melting slightly into the sauce, enhancing the creamy look. The entire dish sits in a black pan, with the sauce pooling at the edges, showing a glossy, inviting texture. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 small onion, chopped finely
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup vodka
1/4 cup tomato paste
3/4 cup heavy or whipping cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, sliced thin (optional, to taste)
Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional, to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in the vodka and allow the sauce to bubble for about 30 seconds to cook off the alcohol.
Step 5: Add the tomato paste and stir until the mixture is smooth and combined.
Step 6: Stir in the heavy cream and reduce heat to medium-low. Let the sauce warm and thicken, which should take a couple of minutes. You can cook it longer if you prefer a thicker sauce.
Step 7: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. If using, stir in fresh basil. Toss the drained penne with the sauce, adding a splash of hot pasta water if you need to thin it slightly. Serve with freshly grated parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use full-fat cream for a richer sauce; for a lighter option, try half-and-half but the sauce will be less creamy.
If you don’t have vodka, white wine can be a substitute, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during the garlic step can give the dish a gentle heat.
Fresh basil adds brightness, but if unavailable, dried Italian seasoning can be used sparingly.

Storage

Store leftover Penne alla Vodka in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

A close-up of cooked penne pasta fully covered in a thick, creamy orange sauce with a smooth texture. The pasta is well coated, with some pieces slightly rising above the sauce, showing their hollow centers and ridged surfaces. Thin green basil strips are scattered evenly on top, adding contrast, and small bits of grated white cheese are sprinkled throughout, adding texture and lightness. The pasta rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish vegan or dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with olive oil and use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream to make it dairy-free and vegan. Nutritional yeast can be used as a parmesan substitute for topping.

Do I need to add vodka to get the authentic flavor?

Vodka helps to release flavor compounds in the tomato paste and adds a subtle sharpness to the sauce. While it can be omitted, the dish’s flavor changes slightly and may be less complex.