Vodka-Infused Penne with Roasted Garlic and Tomato Sauce
Al dente penne pasta tossed in a smooth roasted garlic and tomato vodka sauce with fresh basil. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes blends penne pasta, extra virgin olive oil, whole, unpeeled 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 520 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
- 8 whole, unpeeled garlic cloves
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss 8 whole unpeeled garlic cloves with 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and roast on a baking sheet for 20 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- 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.
- Step 3: Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skins into a large skillet and heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1/4 cup vodka, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer gently for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and cook for 2 more minutes until the sauce turns creamy and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Add the drained penne pasta to the sauce along with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Step 6: Serve immediately garnished with extra basil and Parmesan for a comforting, flavorful pasta dish.
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 Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 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 Roasted Garlic and 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 Roasted Garlic and 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 Roasted Garlic and 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 Roasted Garlic and 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.
