Vodka-Infused Tomato Basil Pasta with Parmesan Crisp
Al dente pasta tossed in a creamy vodka tomato sauce garnished with fresh basil and crispy baked Parmesan for a delightful Italian-inspired dish. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs ounces penne pasta, tablespoons olive oil, small, finely chopped yellow onion 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.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small, finely chopped yellow onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/3 cup vodka
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- for boiling pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 ounces penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Preheat oven to 375°F. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, sprinkle 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese in 8 small mounds spaced apart. Bake for 5-7 minutes until golden and crisp. Let cool.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent.
- Step 4: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Pour in 28 ounces crushed tomatoes and 1/3 cup vodka, stirring to combine. Simmer for 10 minutes until the alcohol cooks off and sauce thickens.
- Step 6: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 7: Toss the drained penne pasta into the sauce along with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Mix well to combine.
- Step 8: Serve the pasta topped with the Parmesan crisps broken into pieces for garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vodka-Infused Tomato Basil Pasta with Parmesan Crisp 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 Parmesan Crisp?
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 ounces penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Vodka-Infused Tomato Basil Pasta with Parmesan Crisp?
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 Parmesan Crisp 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 Parmesan Crisp?
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.
