Vodka-Infused Penne with Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A smooth and rich penne pasta dish elevated with a subtle vodka infusion and roasted garlic cream sauce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes blends penne pasta, vodka, whole 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place 6 whole garlic cloves on a small piece of foil, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, wrap tightly, and roast for 20 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water with 1 tsp salt to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  3. Step 3: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully add 1/4 cup vodka and cook for 2 minutes to let the alcohol evaporate, stirring gently.
  4. Step 4: Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skins into the skillet and stir to combine with vodka.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 cup heavy cream to the skillet and simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Toss the drained penne pasta into the skillet with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
  7. Step 7: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Vodka-Infused Penne with Roasted Garlic 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 with Roasted Garlic 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 with Roasted Garlic 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 with Roasted Garlic 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 with Roasted Garlic 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.

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