Vodka-Infused Penne with Roasted Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes
Penne pasta tossed in a smooth roasted garlic and cherry tomato sauce enriched with a splash of vodka for depth and warmth. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 60 minutes pairs ounces penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, halved, bulbs whole garlic bulbs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 540 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 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 bulbs whole garlic bulbs
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Slice tops off 2 whole garlic bulbs to expose cloves, drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 40 minutes until soft and caramelized.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces penne pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
- Step 3: In a large skillet, heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, sauté for 5-6 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
- Step 4: Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from bulbs into the skillet, mash gently with a spoon, and stir to combine.
- Step 5: Pour in 1/4 cup vodka and cook for 2-3 minutes until alcohol aroma diminishes.
- Step 6: Reduce heat to low and stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Simmer for 3 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Step 7: Add cooked penne to the skillet along with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Toss gently, adding reserved pasta water by tablespoons if sauce needs loosening.
- Step 8: Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vodka-Infused Penne with Roasted Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (10 min prep + 50 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 Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes?
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 ounces penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Vodka-Infused Penne with Roasted Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes?
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 Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes 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 Roasted Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes?
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.
