Vodka-Infused Spicy Tomato Penne
A vibrant Italian pasta dish featuring penne tossed in a spicy tomato sauce enriched with smooth vodka for a balanced, bold flavor. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic cloves 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
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 11 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes and 1 tsp salt, simmering over medium-low heat for 8 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Step 4: Carefully add 1/4 cup vodka to the sauce and cook for 4 minutes to reduce and meld flavors, then stir in 1/3 cup heavy cream until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly pink.
- Step 5: Toss the drained penne pasta into the skillet along with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Step 6: Cook together for 2 more minutes until the sauce coats the pasta evenly and is heated through before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vodka-Infused Spicy Tomato Penne take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Penne?
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 Penne?
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 Penne 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 Penne?
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.
