Vodka-Infused Penne alla Vodka with Tomato Cream Sauce
A smooth tomato cream sauce elevated with vodka, tossed with tender penne pasta and finished with fresh basil and Parmesan. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes blends penne pasta, extra virgin olive oil, small, finely diced yellow onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small, finely diced yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1/3 cup vodka
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small finely diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
- Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in 1/3 cup vodka and cook for 3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to reduce slightly.
- Step 5: Add 28 oz crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Step 6: Stir in 3/4 cup heavy cream, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and cook for another 2 minutes to combine flavors.
- Step 7: Toss the drained penne pasta into the sauce along with 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Add reserved pasta water 2 tbsp at a time if the sauce needs loosening. Serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vodka-Infused Penne alla Vodka with Tomato Cream Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Vodka-Infused Penne alla Vodka with Tomato Cream Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Vodka-Infused Penne alla Vodka with Tomato Cream Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Vodka-Infused Penne alla Vodka with Tomato Cream Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Vodka-Infused Penne alla Vodka with Tomato Cream Sauce?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
