Vodka-Infused Penne with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
Penne pasta tossed in a silky vodka-tomato sauce with sweet roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for an elegant weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes pairs penne pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, divided olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 3 tbsp, divided olive oil
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1/3 cup vodka
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup, plus more for garnish grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1/2 tsp salt on a baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes until softened and caramelized.
- Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain pasta.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Carefully add 1/3 cup vodka and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1/3 cup heavy cream, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer sauce for 8-10 minutes until thickened.
- Step 5: Add the roasted cherry tomatoes, cooked penne, and 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil to the sauce. Toss gently, adding reserved pasta water 2 tbsp at a time to loosen sauce if needed.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Serve garnished with extra Parmesan and basil leaves.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vodka-Infused Penne with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Vodka-Infused Penne with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Vodka-Infused Penne with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?
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 Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil 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.
Is Vodka-Infused Penne with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
