Vodka-Infused Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic and Parmesan
A silky tomato sauce cooked with vodka and fresh basil, tossed with al dente pasta and topped with Parmesan cheese. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs penne pasta, vodka, olive oil 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
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, finely diced yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 cup, plus extra for serving grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Carefully pour in 1/4 cup vodka and cook for 3 minutes, allowing alcohol to evaporate and sauce to reduce slightly.
- Step 4: Stir in 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer sauce for 10 minutes until thickened.
- Step 5: Lower heat and stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, cooking for 2 more minutes until sauce is creamy and flavorful.
- Step 6: Toss cooked penne pasta into the sauce, coating evenly. Stir in 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vodka-Infused Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic and Parmesan 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 with Garlic and Parmesan?
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 Parmesan?
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 Parmesan 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 Parmesan?
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.
