Penne alla Vodka
A rich and creamy tomato sauce with a subtle kick from vodka, tossed with perfectly cooked penne. This classic Italian-American comfort dish is surprisingly easy to make and ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the Pasta
- b.Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil (it should taste like the sea).
- c.Add the penne and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 10-12 minutes. The pasta should have a slight bite.
- d.Before draining, carefully reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
- d.Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for another 60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Sauce Base
- b.Add the tomato paste to the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes. The paste will darken to a brick-red color and smell fragrant; this step deepens the tomato flavor.
- c.Pour in the vodka to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the vodka bubble and reduce for 2-3 minutes, until the sharp alcohol smell has cooked off.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer the Sauce
- b.Stir in the crushed tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and the black pepper.
- c.Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover partially and let it simmer for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- d.Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Combine
- b.Turn the heat to the lowest setting. Slowly stir in the heavy cream until fully incorporated. It's important the sauce is not boiling to prevent the cream from separating.
- c.Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- d.Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the penne is evenly coated in the luscious sauce.
- e.If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
- f.Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use high-quality canned tomatoes (like San Marzano) for a noticeably better-tasting sauce.
- 2Toasting the tomato paste is a crucial step that caramelizes its sugars and creates a deeper, less acidic flavor profile.
- 3The starchy pasta water is essential. It helps the sauce emulsify and cling to the pasta, creating a silky, restaurant-quality texture.
- 4Bring the heavy cream to room temperature before adding it to the hot sauce to reduce the risk of it curdling.
- 5For an even richer sauce, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter into the sauce along with the cream.
- 6Don't overcook the pasta initially. It will continue to cook slightly when you toss it with the hot sauce.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Add 1/2 lb of cooked Italian sausage, pancetta, or grilled chicken to the sauce for a heartier meal.
Vegetarian TwistVegetarian Twist
Incorporate 8 oz of sautéed mushrooms, a few handfuls of fresh spinach, or roasted red peppers into the sauce along with the aromatics.
Spicier KickSpicier Kick
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or add a finely chopped Calabrian chili for more intense heat.
Dairy Free OptionDairy-Free Option
Substitute the heavy cream with an equal amount of full-fat coconut cream or a cashew-based cream. Use a vegan parmesan alternative to finish.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Lycopene
Tomatoes are a primary source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases and protecting cells from damage.
Energy-Boosting Carbohydrates
Pasta provides complex carbohydrates, which are the body's main source of fuel, offering sustained energy for daily activities.
Source of Calcium
Parmesan cheese and heavy cream contribute calcium, which is essential for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, while vodka adds a unique sharp flavor that balances the richness, you can omit it. Replace it with an equal amount of water or vegetable broth mixed with a squeeze of lemon juice to deglaze the pan. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.