Vodka-Infused Tomato Basil Pasta
Al dente penne pasta tossed with a smooth tomato sauce enriched with vodka and fresh basil for a balanced, savory flavor. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs penne pasta, extra virgin olive oil, medium yellow onion, finely chopped 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
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 1/2 cup, plus extra for serving grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 10-11 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 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and soft.
- Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in 1/4 cup vodka and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce the alcohol and intensify flavor.
- Step 5: Stir in 28 oz crushed tomatoes, bring to a simmer, and cook for 8 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Lower heat and stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, salt, and black pepper to taste. Continue cooking gently for 2 minutes until sauce is creamy.
- Step 7: Add the drained penne pasta and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to the sauce. Toss vigorously to combine and coat each piece evenly.
- Step 8: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Serve topped with extra Parmesan if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vodka-Infused Tomato Basil 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 Tomato 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 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 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 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.
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