Vodka-Infused Spicy Tomato Penne Pasta
Al dente penne pasta tossed in a spicy tomato cream sauce enriched with vodka and fresh basil. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs penne pasta, for pasta water salt, extra virgin olive oil 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
- 1 tbsp for pasta water salt
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 28 oz crushed canned tomatoes
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tbsp salt. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Pour in 28 oz crushed canned tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Add 1/4 cup vodka to the tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes to cook off the alcohol and deepen flavor.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves. Let the sauce cook for another 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 6: Add the drained penne pasta to the sauce along with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss everything together over low heat until the sauce coats the pasta evenly. Season with black pepper to taste and serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vodka-Infused Spicy Tomato Penne 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 Penne 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 Penne 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 Penne 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 Penne 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.
