If you’ve ever wanted to whip up a restaurant-quality pasta dish that feels both luxurious and comforting, then this Easy Penne Alla Vodka Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Creamy, tangy, and rich, this recipe brings together a luscious tomato and vodka sauce kissed with garlic and Parmesan, coating perfectly cooked penne pasta. The simplicity of the ingredients belies a depth of flavor that’s bound to impress family, friends, or simply satisfy your own pasta cravings in style. Trust me, once you try this Easy Penne Alla Vodka Recipe, it’ll quickly become a go-to meal for busy weeknights or special occasions alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Penne Alla Vodka Recipe rests in its straightforward and accessible ingredients. Each element plays its role in building a sauce that’s creamy, flavorful, and balanced, with a touch of that signature vodka twist that elevates the tomato base. Let’s dive into the essentials that come together effortlessly for a stunning dish.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and a silky base to the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic (finely minced): Brings aromatic warmth and depth to every bite.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that gives the sauce a vibrant red hue.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds an herby complexity to the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides subtle heat and balances the creaminess.
- ½ cup vodka: Essential for adding that unique tang and elevating the tomato flavor.
- ½ cup pasta water: Helps to loosen and emulsify the sauce for perfect coating.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious creamy texture that makes this dish irresistible.
- 2 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, lending salty, nutty richness.
- 12 ounces penne pasta (cooked): The perfect pasta shape to trap sauce and deliver every decadent mouthful.
How to Make Easy Penne Alla Vodka Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic in Butter
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the finely minced garlic. Let it cook just until it becomes fragrant, about one minute. This step sets the aromatic foundation for the sauce and infuses the butter with a delicious garlic flavor that will carry throughout the dish.
Step 2: Build Flavor with Tomato Paste and Seasonings
Next, stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook the mixture for about one minute until the tomato paste releases its robust fragrance. This quick sauté helps intensify the tomato flavor, ensuring every bite is full of that bold, tangy essence.
Step 3: Add Vodka, Pasta Water, and Cream
Pour in the vodka and pasta water, stirring regularly as the sauce simmers. This step helps the sauce thicken slightly and the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a subtle tang that brightens the dish. Once thickened, add the heavy cream and stir through. The cream transforms the sauce, making it luxuriously smooth and velvety.
Step 4: Melt in Parmesan and Toss with Pasta
Finally, add the freshly grated parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until it melts beautifully, creating a silky and cheesy finish. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until every noodle is lovingly coated in the sauce. Your Easy Penne Alla Vodka Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Easy Penne Alla Vodka Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly minced parsley adds a burst of color and a fresh, herbaceous contrast to the creamy sauce. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want to introduce a subtle kick. Don’t underestimate the power of a finishing touch to brighten up this indulgent pasta.
Side Dishes
Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty loaf is also perfect for sopping up any extra sauce. These sides keep the meal balanced and make each bite a pleasurable experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a restaurant-inspired look, serve your penne in shallow bowls, topped with a generous shaving of parmesan and a few whole basil leaves. You can also drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or balsamic glaze for a gourmet touch. Presentation plays a big role in elevating this dish from home-cooked comfort to a feast worth sharing at any dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover penne alla vodka in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so it’s normal if it looks denser when stored. Just be ready to gently loosen it up when reheating.
Freezing
This dish freezes okay but may lose a bit of its creaminess after thawing. If you decide to freeze it, cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can cause uneven heating and separation of the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta instead of penne?
Absolutely! While penne’s tube shape captures the sauce wonderfully, rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle work just as well. Just make sure to cook your pasta al dente to keep the perfect texture.
Is the vodka flavor very strong in this recipe?
No, the vodka really mellows during cooking. It mainly acts as a flavor enhancer for the tomato and cream, giving the sauce a subtle tang rather than a strong alcohol taste.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with olive oil, use a plant-based cream alternative, and try a dairy-free parmesan or nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor. The sauce may be slightly less rich but still delicious.
How do I prevent the sauce from splitting?
Keep the heat moderate when adding cream and cheese, and stir steadily to combine. High heat or rushing can cause the sauce to separate, so patience is key for that smooth, silky finish.
What’s the best vodka to use?
Use a good-quality vodka that’s smooth and neutral in flavor. No need for anything fancy—just avoid flavored vodkas as they can alter the taste of the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Penne Alla Vodka Recipe is an absolute joy to make and even more delightful to eat. It strikes the perfect balance between simple ingredients and impressive flavor, making it a foolproof crowd-pleaser every single time. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weekday dinner or a cozy gathering, I encourage you to give this recipe a try and savor all the creamy, tangy goodness it has to offer.
Print
Easy Penne Alla Vodka Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Easy Penne Alla Vodka recipe is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that combines a rich tomato and vodka sauce with parmesan cheese and tender penne pasta. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a casual dinner with friends. The smooth sauce enriched with heavy cream and the sharpness of parmesan make this Italian-inspired classic a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup vodka
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta, cooked according to package instructions
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about one minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add seasonings and tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook the mixture, stirring continuously, until the tomato paste becomes fragrant, approximately 1 minute.
- Incorporate vodka and pasta water: Pour in the vodka and reserved pasta water. Stir and cook the sauce until it begins to thicken slightly, which helps cook off the alcohol and concentrate flavors.
- Create the creamy sauce: Add the heavy cream to the skillet, stir well, and allow the sauce to warm through. Then add the freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine with pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat each piece evenly. Heat together for a minute or two to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve the Penne Alla Vodka immediately, garnished with freshly minced parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Be sure to reserve some pasta water before draining the penne; it helps in achieving a silky sauce texture.
- Cooking the vodka sufficiently is important to reduce its harsh alcohol flavor.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for better melting and flavor release compared to pre-grated cheese.
- Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.
