Vodka-Infused Penne with Cherry Tomato Sauce
Penne pasta tossed in a bright cherry tomato sauce simmered with vodka for a balanced richness and subtle warmth. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes blends penne pasta, extra virgin olive oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves 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
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and release juices.
- Step 4: Carefully add 1/4 cup vodka to the skillet and simmer for 3 minutes until the alcohol cooks off and the sauce reduces slightly.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/3 cup heavy cream and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 6: Add the drained penne pasta to the sauce along with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time if needed for a silky consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 7: Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and basil leaves for garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vodka-Infused Penne with Cherry Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 with Cherry Tomato 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 with Cherry Tomato 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 with Cherry Tomato 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 with Cherry Tomato 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.
