penne alla vodka

3 Pinches 1 Photo
Ofallon, MO
Updated on Dec 4, 2025

Penne alla Vodka is penne pasta in a rich, creamy, slightly tangy tomato sauce with garlic, onions, crushed tomatoes, and, of course, vodka. It is one of our favorite pasta dishes, and you will be pleasantly surprised by how well it all comes together.

prep time 5 Min
cook time 30 Min
method Stove Top
yield 4 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup vodka
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons tomato pasta
  • 1 can whole tomatoes (28 oz)
  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 2/3 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
  • Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
  • fresh chopped basil or parsley

How To Make penne alla vodka

  • Step 1
    Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook 4-5 minutes or until soft. Stir several times. Reduce the heat to low, add the garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  • Step 2
    Carefully add the vodka. Stir in the tomato paste, then add the tomatoes, crushing with your hands as you add them.
  • Step 3
    Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring several times.
  • Step 4
    Meanwhile, cook the pasta al dente according to the box instructions and drain well.
  • Step 5
    Reduce the heat on the sauce to very low. Add the cream and the Parmesan cheese.
  • Step 6
    Add cooked pasta to the pan and stir to combine.
  • Step 7
    Season with salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and a little more grated Parmesan Cheese.

Discover More

Category: Pasta
Culture: Italian
Ingredient: Pasta
Method: Stove Top

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