Vodka-Infused Spicy Tomato Pasta

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

Al dente pasta tossed in a spicy tomato sauce enriched with vodka for a silky, vibrant finish. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs penne pasta, extra virgin olive oil, medium yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.

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

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 12 oz penne pasta, and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 28 oz tomato puree and 1/3 cup vodka, simmering gently for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens and alcohol cooks off.
  5. Step 5: Lower heat and stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for 3 minutes until sauce is silky.
  6. Step 6: Add cooked penne pasta and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, tossing to coat. If sauce is thick, stir in reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until desired consistency.
  7. Step 7: Serve topped with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vodka-Infused Spicy Tomato Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Spicy Tomato Pasta?

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 Spicy Tomato Pasta?

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 Spicy Tomato Pasta 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 Spicy Tomato Pasta?

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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