Vodka-Infused Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic Cream Sauce

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

Penne pasta tossed in a smooth garlic cream sauce enriched with vodka and fresh basil for a rich Italian-inspired dinner. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs penne pasta, olive oil, garlic cloves, minced 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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 reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Carefully add 1/3 cup vodka to the skillet and simmer for 3 minutes to reduce slightly and cook off the alcohol.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 8 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Lower heat and slowly stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, cooking for 2 more minutes until the sauce is creamy.
  6. Step 6: Add the drained penne pasta to the sauce along with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes until the sauce coats every piece of pasta evenly and is silky.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vodka-Infused Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic Cream Sauce 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 Cream Sauce?

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 Cream Sauce?

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 Cream Sauce 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 Cream Sauce?

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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