Creamy Penne Alla Vodka Recipe

I cooked Creamy Penne Alla Vodka that filled my kitchen with the irresistible aroma of garlic, sautéed onions, and red pepper flakes simmering alongside vodka and crushed tomatoes. A velvety blend of heavy cream and Parmesan transforms classic penne pasta into a luxurious dish I simply cannot resist. Try this today.

I discovered this Creamy Penne Alla Vodka recipe in a small trattoria and couldn’t wait to try it at home. I started by cooking 1 lb penne pasta until al dente while heating 2 tbsp olive oil in a pan.

I quickly tossed in a small yellow onion, finely chopped, and added 3 cloves minced garlic. The sizzling aroma had me hooked right away.

Then I sprinkled in 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes for that kick and poured in 1/3 cup vodka, letting it reduce a bit. Once the can of 28 oz crushed tomatoes joined the party, I stirred in 1/2 cup heavy cream.

I seasoned with salt and pepper, and just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, I sprinkled on 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. I finished it off with a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil.

This recipe feels like a secret twist on all those favorite vodka pasta creations with a really rich flavor. Enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe because it’s super easy to make and doesn’t require a ton of fancy ingredients. I can throw everything together quick after a long day and still impress everyone with the taste.

I also love how the creamy tomato sauce mixed with vodka gives it a rich, unique flavor that makes the dish feel special even though its so simple.

Another reason is that I enjoy the little kick from the red pepper flakes. It reminds me of my favorite spicy meals and makes the pasta taste extra bold.

Lastly, the melted Parmesan and fresh basil really tie the whole dish together. It makes every bite comforting and satisfying, like a warm hug on a chilly day.

Ingredients

• Penne Pasta: A great source of carbs, it builds energy while being a hearty base.
• Olive Oil: Packed with healthy fats and flavor, its smooth and essential for sauteing.
• Garlic: Adds strong, zesty flavor that lifts the dish and boost immune support.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Give a tangy, slightly sweet touch while loaded with vitamins and fiber.
• Heavy Cream: Brings rich creaminess that balances sour tomatoes and adds velvety texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides salty, umami notes and a protein boost plus calcium goodness.
• Fresh Basil: Light herb that adds freshness and a hint of peppery flavor to finish.

Ingredient Quantities

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

How to Make this

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente; then drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the chopped onion. Cook it until it becomes soft and a bit translucent.

3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir for about a minute until it smells good.

4. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and stir so they mix in well with the onions and garlic.

5. Pour in the vodka and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, letting it reduce a bit.

6. Add in the crushed tomatoes and mix well, letting the sauce simmer for around 8 minutes so it can thicken.

7. Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream, making sure it blends into the tomato mixture, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Toss the cooked penne pasta into the sauce and stir until all the pasta gets coated with that creamy goodness.

9. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir it in until it melts into the sauce.

10. If you like, add chopped basil for a fresh touch, then serve the pasta warm and enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot – to boil the pasta in salted water and then later use to mix ingredients if needed
2. Colander – to drain the cooked pasta properly
3. Large skillet – for sautéing the onion and garlic and simmering the sauce
4. Knife and cutting board – to finely chop the onion and mince the garlic
5. Measuring cups and spoons – to accurately measure out olive oil, vodka, heavy cream, and spices
6. Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring the sauce and combining ingredients
7. Grater – to grate the Parmesan cheese so it melts into the sauce

These tools help maintain the nutritional integrity of the ingredients by ensuring they cook evenly and mix well.

FAQ

Creamy Penne Alla Vodka Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Vodka: Instead of vodka, you can use white wine or even a little extra broth to keep the flavor but skip the alcohol.
• Heavy cream: If you dont have heavy cream, mix whole milk with a tablespoon of butter for each cup of milk to get a similar rich texture.
• Red pepper flakes: Try swapping out red pepper flakes with a pinch of cayenne pepper or a bit of chili powder if you like it spicier.
• Parmesan cheese: Use Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano as a substitute if you cant get your hands on good parmesan.
• Olive oil: If you dont have olive oil at home, unsalted butter works well for saut-ing your onion and garlic.

Pro Tips

• When sautéeing the onions, let em really get soft and translucent before adding the garlic. It helps build flavor so the sauce is richer.
• Make sure you let the vodka simmer enough to reduce a bit; if you rush it, the alcohol flavor might stick around too much and overpower the other ingredients.
• Stir in the heavy cream slowly on low heat; this stops it from curdling and ensures the sauce becomes super creamy.
• Toss the Parmesan cheese in at the end, while the pasta is still warm, so it melts perfectly into the sauce and adds a really nice flavor boost.