Vodka-Infused Spicy Tomato Penne with Roasted Garlic
Penne pasta tossed in a smooth and spicy tomato sauce enriched with vodka and sweet roasted garlic for depth and warmth. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs penne pasta, extra virgin olive oil, whole 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
- 6 whole garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/3 cup vodka
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup, plus more for serving grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss 6 whole garlic cloves with 1 tbsp olive oil and wrap in foil. Roast 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, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 3: While pasta cooks, heat remaining 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Squeeze roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into the skillet and mash with a spoon. Add 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, stirring well.
- Step 5: Pour in 1/3 cup vodka and simmer sauce for 8 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, cooking for 2 more minutes until creamy.
- Step 6: Add drained penne and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan to the sauce, tossing gently. If needed, add reserved pasta water 2 tbsp at a time to loosen the sauce. Serve topped with extra Parmesan.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vodka-Infused Spicy Tomato Penne with Roasted Garlic take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 with Roasted Garlic?
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 with Roasted Garlic?
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 with Roasted Garlic 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 with Roasted Garlic?
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.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
