Vodka-Infused Tomato and Basil Pasta
A smooth tomato sauce enriched with vodka and fresh basil, tossed with al dente pasta for a flavorful Italian-inspired dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, minced 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1/3 cup vodka
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add 12 oz penne pasta. Cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 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 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion, sauté for 4-5 minutes until onion is soft and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 28 oz crushed tomatoes and 1/3 cup vodka. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes to reduce the alcohol and deepen flavors.
- Step 4: Lower heat to medium-low and add 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vodka-Infused Tomato and Basil Pasta 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 Tomato and Basil 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 Tomato and Basil 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 Tomato and Basil 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 Tomato and Basil 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.
