Vodka-Infused Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic Toast

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

A smooth tomato basil sauce enriched with vodka creates a flavorful pasta entrée, complemented by crispy garlic toast. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, minced garlic cloves 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 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 9-11 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/4 cup vodka and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the alcohol aroma softens.
  4. Step 4: Add 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer gently for 10 minutes until sauce thickens.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, then add the drained pasta along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss to coat and cook for 2 minutes until sauce clings to pasta.
  6. Step 6: Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375°F. Spread 3 tbsp softened butter mixed with 1/2 tsp dried oregano and 2 minced garlic cloves on 1 small sliced baguette. Arrange on a baking sheet and toast for 8-10 minutes until golden and crisp.
  7. Step 7: Serve the vodka tomato basil pasta topped with 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese alongside the warm garlic toast.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

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 Toast?

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 Toast 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 Toast?

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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