Creamy Penne Alla Vodka Recipe

Indulge in a rich penne pasta creation featuring a luxurious blend of vodka, crushed tomatoes, fresh herbs, and cream. The caramelized onion and aromatic garlic set the stage for a vibrant, slightly spicy sauce, elevated by a pinch of red pepper flakes. A dish that promises comfort with every bite.

I’ve been experimenting with pasta recipes for a while now and this Creamy Penne Alla Vodka is one I always come back to. I start off by cooking 1 lb penne pasta until it’s al dente and then heat up 2 tbsp olive oil in a pan.

I add a medium chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to get a nice aroma going. Next, I pour in 1/2 cup vodka and stir in a can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes along with 1 tbsp of tomato paste.

The key is adding 1/2 cup heavy cream and a special kick of 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, which really takes it to the next level. I let everything simmer until the sauce thickens up and the pasta soaks in all the rich flavors.

I find that the result is not only comforting but also packs a decent amount of nutrients from the tomatoes and garlic. It’s a meal that’s simple, delish and perfect for a quick pasta dinner.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe becaus it gives me a comforting, creamy sauce that’s really luxurious and makes me feel like I’m eating something fancy even when im just cooking at home.
I like how the red pepper flakes add a nice kick, making every bite interesting without being too overwhelming.
I appreciate how the recipe is pretty easy to follow and uses simple steps that let the flavors (like the caramelized onions and garlic) really shine.
I enjoy that the creamy vodka sauce mixes perfectly with the penne pasta, so every piece gets coated in this delicious and rich sauce that makes me excited to dig in every time.

Ingredients

• Olive oil adds healthy fats and enhances flavor with a rich, smooth finish.
• Onion brings natural sweetness and fiber, boosting both taste and nutrition.
• Garlic powers the dish with bold flavor and natural immune-supporting benefits.
• Vodka gives a unique smoothness that helps meld the tomato and cream well.
• Crushed tomatoes offer natural tanginess, acidity, and loaded vitamins for balance.
• Heavy cream provides an irresistibly velvety finish that softens sharp tomato notes.
• Red pepper flakes deliver a spicy kick that truly transforms the flavor profile.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup vodka
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (this is the special ingredient that really takes it to the next level)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped (optional garnish)

How to Make this

1. Start by cooking the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until it is al dente, then drain it and set aside.

2. In a big skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and cook it until it gets soft and a bit caramelized.

3. Add the minced garlic and stir for about a minute until its fragrance fills the pan.

4. Pour in the vodka and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes so that the alcohol can cook off.

5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing well to combine all the flavors.

6. Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream as you stir the sauce gently.

7. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, salt and freshly ground black pepper, making sure to taste and adjust as needed.

8. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes so that all the flavors meld together.

9. Toss the drained penne pasta into the sauce and mix well so that every piece is well coated.

10. Serve your creamy penne alla vodka hot with a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil on top if you like, and enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. A large pot for boiling the penne pasta
2. A colander for draining the pasta
3. A big skillet for making the sauce
4. A cutting board and a sharp knife for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic
5. Measuring cups and spoons for the vodka, olive oil, heavy cream, and other seasonings
6. A spatula or wooden spoon for stirring ingredients in the skillet
7. A bowl or plate for serving the final dish

FAQ

Creamy Penne Alla Vodka Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have penne, rigatoni or fusilli work pretty well since they catch the sauce in the same way.
• If you dont have olive oil, you can use a little butter for a richer flavor, though the taste will be a bit different.
• You can use yellow onions or even shallots instead of that medium onion if needed.
• If you don’t want to use vodka, try using a splash of chicken broth or even white wine to add some acidity.
• For heavy cream, half-and-half is a good substitute if you want a lighter sauce, but it may not be as creamy.

Pro Tips

1. When cookin’ the pasta, save just a bit of that starchy water. It’ll help thin out the sauce if it gets too thick and makes it stick less to the noodles.

2. Be patient when addin’ the heavy cream to your tomato sauce. Pour it in nice and slow while stirrin’, so you don’t end up with a weird curdle instead of a smooth sauce.

3. Give the sauce a good simmer after addin’ the vodka and tomatoes. It lets all the flavors mix nicely, but be careful not to let it boil too hard or it might taste a bit burnt.

4. Taste the sauce while cookin’. Sometimes ya gotta add just a bit more salt or red pepper, dependin’ on your taste buds. It’s all about adjustin’ it to your own perfect balance.