Skip to main content

penne alla vodke recipe

 


Creamy Penne alla Vodka Recipe (Better Than Restaurant!)

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 30 mins
Servings: 4 | Cuisine: Italian-American | Course: Main Dish, Dinner

What is Penne alla Vodka?

Penne alla Vodka is a creamy, tomato-based pasta dish made with vodka, crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. It's a delicious blend of Italian and American flavors that's rich, slightly spicy, and totally comforting. Perfect for date night, family dinner, or even a casual gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes
  • Restaurant-quality at home
  • Perfectly creamy with a subtle kick
  • Can be made vegetarian or gluten-free

Ingredients

  • 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
  • ½ cup vodka
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes (or tomato puree)
  • ¾ cup heavy cream (room temp)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Optional Add-ins

  • Protein: Grilled chicken, pancetta, or shrimp
  • Vegetarian version: Use plant-based cream and cheese
  • Gluten-free: Swap with GF pasta of choice

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

  • Boil a large pot of salted water and cook penne until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
  • Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add Vodka

  • Pour in the vodka and simmer for 2–3 minutes to cook off the alcohol.

4. Stir in Tomatoes and Cream

  • Add crushed tomatoes. Simmer for 5 minutes, then lower the heat and slowly stir in the cream. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer 3–5 more minutes until thickened.

5. Combine with Pasta

  • Add cooked pasta and toss well. Add a splash of reserved pasta water for extra creaminess if needed.

6. Finish with Cheese

  • Stir in Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve hot.

Tips for the Best Penne alla Vodka

  • Don’t skip the vodka! It enhances the tomato flavor and balances the cream.
  • Use room-temp cream to avoid curdling.
  • Add pasta water gradually to get the perfect sauce texture.
  • Grate fresh Parmesan — it melts better and adds richer flavor.

Variations

  • Spicy Penne alla Vodka: Add extra red chili flakes or Calabrian chili paste.
  • Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • Vegan version: Substitute with coconut cream and vegan cheese.

FAQs

Q: Can I make Penne alla Vodka without vodka?
A: Yes, but the taste will be slightly different. You can substitute with lemon juice or white wine in a pinch.

Q: Can I use jarred tomato sauce?
A: Crushed or pureed tomatoes are best for this recipe. Jarred sauce might alter the flavor.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes! Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a crisp Caesar salad or garlic bread
  • Pair with a light Pinot Grigio or rosé wine
  • Add a side of roasted vegetables for a balanced meal

Final Thoughts

This creamy Penne alla Vodka recipe is the perfect mix of comfort and elegance. Whether you're cooking for guests or just craving a cozy pasta night, this dish delivers every time.

You may also like:

✅ 1. Alfredo Sauce Recipe

“Craving more creamy pasta sauces? Don’t miss this classic [Alfredo Sauce Recipe].”
🔗 Alfredo Sauce Recipe

✅ 2. Baked Ziti with Ricotta

“This hearty and cheesy [Baked Ziti with Ricotta] makes the perfect comfort food.”
🔗 Baked Ziti with Ricotta Recipe

✅ 3. Cajun Chicken Pasta

“Spice things up with this flavorful and creamy [Cajun Chicken Pasta].”
🔗 Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

✅ 4. Gnocchi with Pesto

“Looking for a herby twist? Try this soft and flavorful [Gnocchi with Pesto].”
🔗 Gnocchi with Pesto Recipe

✅ 5. Homemade Mozzarella Cheese

“Take your pasta night to the next level with this easy [Homemade Mozzarella Cheese].”
🔗 Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Recipe

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

spicy salmon sushi bites.

                    🍣 Crispy Rice Sushi Bites Recipe – Viral Sushi Appetizer You’ll Crave! 📌 Why You’ll Love These Crispy Sushi Bites These crispy rice sushi bites are the perfect blend of textures: golden fried sushi rice topped with creamy, spicy tuna or fresh avocado. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving sushi night at home, this viral appetizer is fun, fancy, and surprisingly easy! 📝 Ingredients (Makes 12–15 bites) For the crispy rice: 2 cups cooked sushi rice (short-grain, cooled) 1 tbsp rice vinegar 1 tsp sugar Pinch of salt Neutral oil (for frying) For the spicy tuna topping: 150g sashimi-grade tuna, finely chopped 2 tbsp mayo 1 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste) 1 tsp soy sauce ½ tsp sesame oil Optional toppings: Thin avocado slices Jalapeño rounds Black sesame seeds Chopped green onions Soy sauce for dipping 🍳 Instructions Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Rice Mix the cooled rice with rice vinega...
Post a Comment
Read more

albondigas recipe

  🧆 Spanish Meatballs Recipe (Albóndigas) | Savory Tapas Classic Craving juicy, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce? These Spanish Albóndigas are a classic tapas dish, packed with bold spices, fresh herbs, and rustic charm. Served with crusty bread or rice, they make the perfect party bite, appetizer, or cozy family dinner. 📝 Ingredients For the Meatballs: 500g ground beef (or half beef, half pork) 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/4 cup breadcrumbs 1 egg 2 tbsp chopped parsley 1 tsp smoked paprika 1/2 tsp cumin Salt and pepper to taste Olive oil for frying For the Tomato Sauce: 2 tbsp olive oil 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes 1 tsp smoked paprika 1/2 tsp sugar (to balance acidity) Salt and pepper to taste Optional: 1/4 cup dry white wine or water 🍳 Instructions Step 1: Make the Meatballs In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, ...
Post a Comment
Read more

raspberry almond cake recipe

  🍰 Raspberry Almond Tea Cake – Elegant, Moist & Perfect for Any Occasion Looking for a cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious? This Raspberry Almond Tea Cake is a soft, buttery delight with a subtle almond flavor, studded with juicy raspberries and topped with sliced almonds. It’s the perfect treat for afternoon tea, brunch gatherings, or a light dessert. Whether you're celebrating a special moment or just enjoying a quiet cup of tea, this simple yet elegant cake brings bakery-quality flavor to your home kitchen. ✅ Why You’ll Love This Raspberry Almond Cake 🍓 Naturally sweet and fruity 🌰 Warm almond aroma and flavor 🧁 Light, fluffy, and moist texture ☕ Pairs beautifully with tea or coffee 🕒 Bakes in under 40 minutes with simple  🍓 Ingredients You’ll Need 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar 2 large eggs 1/2 tsp almond extract 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour 1/2 cup (50g) almond fl...
Post a Comment
Read more