Vodka-Soaked Penne with Roasted Garlic Tomato Sauce
Al dente penne pasta tossed in a smooth roasted garlic and tomato sauce with a splash of vodka for depth and richness. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes blends penne pasta, olive oil, whole cloves garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 6 whole cloves garlic cloves
- 28 oz can canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 10 leaves, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place 6 whole garlic cloves on a small piece of foil, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, wrap tightly, and roast for 20 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, 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 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skins into the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Carefully add 1/4 cup vodka to the tomato sauce and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the alcohol aroma softens.
- Step 6: Stir in 10 chopped fresh basil leaves and toss the cooked penne pasta into the sauce to coat evenly.
- Step 7: Serve topped with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for a luscious finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vodka-Soaked Penne with Roasted Garlic Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Vodka-Soaked Penne with Roasted Garlic Tomato Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Vodka-Soaked Penne with Roasted Garlic Tomato 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-Soaked Penne with Roasted Garlic Tomato 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-Soaked Penne with Roasted Garlic Tomato 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.
