Print this Recipe

Penne alla Vodka is a beloved Italian-American classic that blends the richness of cream, the brightness of tomato, and the subtle heat of vodka into one indulgent, velvety sauce. It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.

🍴 Ingredients

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup vodka
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

🔥 Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.

Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft, about 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds.

Deglaze with Vodka:
Pour in the vodka and simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off.

Make the Sauce:
Add the crushed tomatoes, stir, and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to develop flavor. Stir in the cream and cook for another 2 minutes.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Toss the drained pasta into the sauce. Stir in Parmesan and a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve:
Garnish with fresh basil and more Parmesan if desired. Serve hot!

📦 Amazon Must-Haves to help you create the best Penne alla Vodka

• 🍳 All-Clad Stainless Steel Skillet – Great for building rich sauces and sautéing aromatics
• 🍝 De Cecco Penne Rigate Pasta – Authentic Italian pasta that holds sauce perfectly
• 🍅 San Marzano Crushed Tomatoes – The gold standard for tomato flavor in Italian cooking
• 🧄 Garlic Press – Quickly minces garlic for bold, aromatic flavor
• 🧂 Microplane Parmesan Grater – Ideal for freshly grating cheese directly over your pasta

💡 Helpful Tip: Want to make it extra special? Add sautéed pancetta or crispy prosciutto before stirring in the sauce for a savory, meaty twist.