Vodka-Infused Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic and Olive Oil

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple yet flavorful pasta dish where penne is tossed in a light vodka and tomato sauce with fresh basil and garlic. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, thinly sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain pasta.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and garlic edges just start to turn golden.
  3. Step 3: Carefully add 1/4 cup vodka to the skillet, cooking for 3 minutes until the vodka reduces by half and the alcohol smell dissipates.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Simmer the sauce gently for 8 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Add drained pasta to the sauce along with 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time to loosen the sauce to desired consistency.
  6. Step 6: Cook together for 1-2 minutes until the sauce coats the pasta evenly and is glossy. Serve warm with extra Parmesan if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Vodka-Infused Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic and Olive Oil 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 Basil Pasta with Garlic and Olive Oil?

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 with Garlic and Olive Oil?

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 with Garlic and Olive Oil 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 with Garlic and Olive Oil?

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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