Creamy

Penne With Creamy Vodka Sauce

Name: Penne With Creamy Vodka Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) penne pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 can (28 oz/794g) crushed tomatoes; 1 cup (250ml) heavy cream; 2 tablespoons vodka; 1/2 cup (120g) grated parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

By Greta Yarrow · June 19, 2026 · Creamy

Prep15 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I had Penne With Creamy Vodka Sauce at my grandmother's house. The combination of the al dente penne, the rich and creamy vodka sauce, and the sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top was love at first bite. Since then, I've been perfecting the recipe to share with my family and friends.

This recipe is special because it's a comforting Italian-American pasta dinner that's easy to make from scratch in a real home kitchen. The creamy vodka sauce is made with simple ingredients like heavy cream, vodka, and parmesan cheese, but the result is a rich and indulgent sauce that's sure to become a favorite.

I make this recipe for my family on weeknights when we need a comforting and satisfying meal. It's also a great dish to serve at dinner parties because it's impressive and delicious. Whether you're a pasta lover or just looking for a new recipe to add to your repertoire, this Penne With Creamy Vodka Sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

The best part about this recipe is that it's customizable to your taste. You can add your favorite protein like chicken or sausage, or keep it vegetarian with some sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers. The possibilities are endless, and I'm excited to share this recipe with you.

So, let's get started and make this delicious Penne With Creamy Vodka Sauce together. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you'll be enjoying a creamy and satisfying pasta dinner in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
The creamy vodka sauce is rich and indulgent, making it a perfect comfort food.
You can customize the recipe to your taste by adding your favorite protein or vegetables.
The dish is impressive and delicious, making it perfect for dinner parties.
The recipe is budget-friendly and can be made with affordable ingredients.
The dish is family-friendly and can be enjoyed by both kids and adults.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great Penne With Creamy Vodka Sauce is in the sauce itself. The combination of heavy cream, vodka, and parmesan cheese creates a rich and creamy sauce that's balanced by the acidity of the tomatoes. The penne pasta is cooked al dente, which means it still has a bit of bite to it, and then it's tossed in the sauce to coat it evenly.

The technique of cooking the pasta in heavily salted water is also important. This helps to season the pasta and gives it a more robust flavor. Then, when you add the starchy pasta water to the sauce, it helps to thicken it and create a silky texture.

Finally, the resting time is crucial. Letting the sauce rest for a few minutes allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken, making it the perfect consistency for coating the pasta.

By following these simple techniques and using high-quality ingredients, you'll be able to create a delicious and authentic Penne With Creamy Vodka Sauce that's sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Penne With Creamy Vodka Sauce, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The key players are penne pasta, heavy cream, vodka, parmesan cheese, and canned tomatoes. You'll also need some basic pantry staples like olive oil, garlic, and salt.

When shopping for the ingredients, make sure to choose high-quality items. Look for fresh parmesan cheese and real vodka for the best flavor. You can also use different types of pasta, but penne works best with this sauce.

1 lb (450g) penne pastaPenne pasta is the best choice for this recipe because its tube shape holds the sauce well. Look for high-quality pasta that's made with durum wheat semolina.
2 tablespoons olive oilOlive oil is used to sauté the garlic and onion, and to add flavor to the sauce. Choose a good-quality olive oil that's flavorful and aromatic.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent flavor to the sauce, but be careful not to overdo it. Mince the garlic finely and sauté it until it's soft and fragrant.
1 small onion, finely choppedOnion adds a sweet and savory flavor to the sauce. Choose a small onion and chop it finely so it cooks quickly.
1 can (28 oz/794g) crushed tomatoesCrushed tomatoes are the best choice for this recipe because they're already cooked and seasoned. Look for a high-quality brand that's made with fresh tomatoes.
1 cup (250ml) heavy creamHeavy cream is the key to a rich and creamy sauce. Choose a high-quality cream that's fresh and has a high fat content.
2 tablespoons vodkaVodka adds a depth of flavor to the sauce and helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Choose a good-quality vodka that's smooth and flavorful.
1/2 cup (120g) grated parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese is the perfect addition to this sauce because it's salty and nutty. Choose a high-quality cheese that's freshly grated.
1 teaspoon dried basilDried basil adds a bright and herbaceous flavor to the sauce. Choose a high-quality herb that's fresh and fragrant.
1/2 teaspoon saltSalt enhances the flavor of the sauce and helps to balance the sweetness of the tomatoes. Choose a high-quality salt that's fresh and flavorful.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper adds a sharp and peppery flavor to the sauce. Choose a high-quality pepper that's fresh and fragrant.

Ingredients for Penne With Creamy Vodka Sauce

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy pot or Dutch ovenColander or strainerLarge skillet or sauté panWooden spoon or silicone spatulaInstant-read thermometerMeasuring cups and spoons

How to Make Penne With Creamy Vodka Sauce

1
Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil, using about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 cups of water.
2
Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook until it's al dente, which means it still has a bit of bite to it. This should take about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through but still firm in the center.
3
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until it's soft and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
4
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until it's translucent and starting to caramelize, about 3-4 minutes.
5
Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine with the garlic and onion. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6
Add the heavy cream to the skillet and stir to combine with the tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it's heated through and the sauce has thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
7
Add the vodka to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, until the vodka has evaporated and the sauce has thickened slightly.
8
Add the grated parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce. Cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
9
Remove the pasta from the boiling water with a slotted spoon and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce to coat it evenly, adding some of the starchy pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
10
Season the pasta with salt and black pepper to taste, and then serve it hot, garnished with some chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired.
11
Let the pasta rest for a few minutes before serving, which allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, including fresh parmesan cheese and real vodka, for the best flavor.
Don't overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook a bit after it's removed from the boiling water.
Add the starchy pasta water to the sauce if it seems too thick, as this will help to thin it out and create a silky texture.
Let the sauce rest for a few minutes before serving, which allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
Experiment with different types of pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, for a variation on the recipe.
Add some sautéed vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
Use this recipe as a base and add your own favorite ingredients, such as cooked sausage or chicken, to make it your own.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta, which can make it mushy and unappetizing.
Not using enough salt in the boiling water, which can result in a bland and unflavorful pasta.
Not adding enough starchy pasta water to the sauce, which can make it too thick and sticky.
Overheating the sauce, which can cause it to break and become separated.
Not letting the sauce rest before serving, which can result in a sauce that's too thin and runny.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the final dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some sautéed vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, for a variation on the recipe.
Add some cooked sausage or chicken to the sauce for added protein and flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta, for a variation on the recipe.
Add some fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, to the sauce for added flavor and freshness.
Use this recipe as a base and add your own favorite ingredients to make it your own.

What to Serve With Penne With Creamy Vodka Sauce

This Penne With Creamy Vodka Sauce is a delicious and satisfying main dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. You can serve it with some garlic bread or a green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Some other ideas for serving this dish include adding some sautéed vegetables, such as broccoli or zucchini, to the plate for added nutrition and flavor. You could also add some grilled chicken or shrimp to the dish for added protein and flavor.

Garlic breadGreen saladRoasted vegetablesGrilled chicken or shrimpSauteed broccoli or zucchini

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This Penne With Creamy Vodka Sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store it in the refrigerator, simply place the cooled pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate it.

To freeze the pasta, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag and label it with the date and contents. When you're ready to reheat it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

To reheat the pasta, simply place it in the microwave and heat it for 30-60 seconds, or until it's heated through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop by placing it in a saucepan with a little bit of oil or butter and heating it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

Penne pasta is the best choice for this recipe because its tube shape holds the sauce well. However, you can also use other types of pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, for a variation on the recipe.

Can I use low-fat cream instead of heavy cream?

While you can use low-fat cream instead of heavy cream, it will affect the flavor and texture of the sauce. Heavy cream is high in fat, which gives the sauce a rich and creamy texture. Low-fat cream, on the other hand, is lower in fat and may result in a sauce that's too thin and runny.

Can I add other ingredients to the sauce?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the sauce to make it your own. Some ideas include sautéed vegetables, cooked sausage or chicken, and fresh herbs. Just be sure to adjust the amount of sauce accordingly and taste it as you go to ensure that the flavors are balanced.

How long can I store this pasta in the refrigerator?

This Penne With Creamy Vodka Sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply place the cooled pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate it.

Can I freeze this pasta?

Yes, you can freeze this pasta for up to 2 months. Simply place it in a freezer-safe container or bag and label it with the date and contents. When you're ready to reheat it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

How do I reheat this pasta?

To reheat this pasta, simply place it in the microwave and heat it for 30-60 seconds, or until it's heated through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop by placing it in a saucepan with a little bit of oil or butter and heating it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply cook the pasta and sauce, then let it cool and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. When you're ready to serve it, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian. However, if you're using a meat-based broth or adding cooked sausage or chicken to the sauce, it will not be vegetarian.

The Full Recipe

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