Family Favorite Penne alla Vodka Pasta Recipe
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Penne alla vodka is easier to make than you might think. Simmer butter, vodka, tomatoes, and cream together, then stir in cheese and noodles! This has the best flavor, and is a great recipe for the whole family to enjoy. You’ll love this tender penne pasta recipe!
Not only is this penne pasta al dente perfection, but the homemade pasta sauce is crave-worthy, too.
It literally tastes like it came from the local Italian restaurant – and like legit Italian food!
Adding a splash of vodka takes traditional recipes and turns them into a unique recipe with delicious flavor.
One bit of this pasta alla vodka recipe, and you’ll be hooked. It’s not only a delicious pasta dish, but it’s one that takes minimal ingredients as well.
I love the tomato flavor that comes through in this delicious recipe!
I could easily eat an entire dish on my own because of the depth of flavor and smooth texture – it’s just that good!
Forget about spending a ton of money at your favorite Italian restaurant and make this creamy vodka sauce and penne noodle dish right at home.
That way, you can control the portion sizes! (and don’t forget to pair with homemade garlic bread!)
Penne Alla Vodka
All you need for an incredible home cooked meal is tender pasta, a delicious homemade sauce, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Pasta dinners like this are the best.
This penne alla vodka is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but luxurious enough to impress dinner guests as well!
You might also love my creamy Jack Daniel’s Mac and Cheese. The dish is loaded with bits of peppered bacon and plenty of smoky flavor from the whiskey.
Or, try pasta with pumpkin sauce for a lighter, alcohol-free alternative.
If you prefer your liquor in a glass, I have plenty of cocktails to choose from – even Jello shots made with flavored varieties!
Ingredients
This easy recipe only needs to simple ingredients listed below.
You’ll love how quick and easy this Penne Alla Vodka Recipe is. (and wait until you get a taste of the creamy homemade vodka sauce!)
- Salted butter
- Garlic, minced
- Vodka
- Tomato paste
- Heavy cream
- Penne pasta
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Flat leaf Italian parsley
Substitutions
Add other seasonings and flavors. Fresh basil is a great flavor to add to this creamy sauce.
You can also add black pepper, fresh oregano, and any other fresh herbs that you crave and love.
Add fresh tomatoes. Whole tomatoes that are diced and added are perfect for adding a fun flavor and texture.
Even picky eaters will love the extra added tomato taste.
Add chopped onions. Simple recipes like this can easily be altered with substitutions. If you’re a fan of onions, add them to make your new favorite dish.
Tips and Tricks
- Swap out the pasta. This is just as delicious with rigatoni, cavatappi, or any other noodle with ridges to catch that amazing sauce!
- Include a protein. Chicken pairs perfectly with the flavors in this dish and is a great way to make it a complete meal.
Use leftover shredded meat or chop up a rotisserie chicken from the store. For a vegetarian alternative, try sauteed mushrooms instead.
Italian sausage is also a great flavor to add and really does complement the flavor of the sauce. - Add some garlic! Mince 2 to 3 cloves and saute them in the melted butter until fragrant before adding the vodka.
- Use high quality liquor. It adds noticeable flavor to the vodka cream sauce, so I would recommend using top shelf or your favorite brand.
- Too much sauce? This recipe makes plenty for a full pound of pasta, but you could easily use up to two pounds for a lighter coating on your noodles.
Or, save some to spoon over ravioli or tortellini. You could even use it for lasagna!
Serving Suggestions
Add a basket of thick, crusty bread to the table – you’ll need it to mop up every last drop!
Roasted vegetables or a simple green salad will round out the meal, and they can be prepared while this dish cooks on the stove.
Penne Alla Vodka FAQ
Refrigerate any leftovers in a sealed container for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stove for best results, adding additional cream as needed.
If needed, you can prepare the sauce the day before and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. Simply warm it on the stove while you boil the noodles, then combine as directed.
Yes – aside from adding plenty of flavor, it’s actually what binds everything together! That’s because the alcohol keeps the cream from separating when you stir in the acidic tomato paste.
Then, it’s cooked off as the mixture simmers on the stove so you won’t feel the effects later. There really shouldn’t be a leftover vodka taste or flavor in the sauce of cooked pasta. The alcohol cooks out, leaving the creamy texture and flavor.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Family Favorite Penne alla Vodka Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 ounces vodka
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese, (divided)
- chopped flat leaf Italian parsley, (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt two sticks of butter.
- When butter is completely melted, add garlic. Saute for 30 seconds. Add vodka while whisking constantly to combine.
- Still cooking over medium heat, hold a lit match to the top of the butter/Vodka sauce until it catches fire. The flame will run across the whole top of the sauce and then burn out on its own.
- Whisk in tomato paste and heavy cream. Bring sauce to a simmer and cook over low heat for 30-45 minutes or until there is no longer a bitter after-taste from the vodka. This will ensure no alcohol remains in the sauce and will leave you with a rich, signature sauce.
- Meanwhile: boil pasta in salted water according to package directions. Cooked until al dente or desired doneness.
- Drain pasta.
- Add 1/2 of the Parmesan cheese to the finished sauce and whisk until smooth.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce.
- Top with remaining parmesan cheese and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Donna’s Notes
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published November 2021, updated and republished November 2024
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Thank you for posting this but, it really is a basic Vodka Sauce with minimum flavors. It is a starter for a really good Vodka sauce for sure.
I had never tried a vodka sauce before, but I loved how this turned out. Very creamy and rich. A filling and delicious dinner!
omg, just made this Penne Alla Vodka recipe from The Slow Roasted Italian and it was AMAZING! So creamy and flavorful. Definitely a new favorite in my house!
Hi Aria!
We’re so glad you enjoyed!!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn
OMG, just whipped up this Penne Alla Vodka from Donna’s recipe and it was a breeze! Added some sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor, and it turned out amazing!
Hi Brittany!
I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe!!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn