Vodka-Infused Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic Bread
Al dente pasta tossed in a creamy vodka tomato sauce with fresh basil, served alongside crusty garlic bread for a comforting Italian-inspired dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs penne pasta, 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 560 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/3 cup vodka
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 baguette
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp dried oregano
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, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour in 1/3 cup vodka and simmer for 3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes until thickened.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low and stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil. Add the cooked penne pasta and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
- Step 5: Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice 1 baguette in half lengthwise and spread with 4 tbsp softened unsalted butter mixed with 1 tsp dried oregano and 1 minced garlic clove. Bake for 10 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Step 6: Serve the vodka tomato basil pasta hot with slices of garlic bread on the side.
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 Bread take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Bread?
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 Bread?
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 Bread 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 Bread?
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.
