Name: Creamy Penne alla Vodka Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 1/2 small onion, chopped finely; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/4 cup vodka; 1/4 cup tomato paste; 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream; Salt to taste; Pepper to taste; Fresh basil, sliced thin (optional, to taste); Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional, to taste)

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 7 reviews

If you love rich, comforting pasta dishes that feel indulgent but come together quickly, you’re going to adore this Creamy Penne alla Vodka Recipe. It’s one of those meals I turn to when I want something both elegant and homey, with a luscious sauce that hugs every bite of perfectly cooked penne. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become your go-to weeknight star—especially when you want to impress without breaking a sweat.

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Why This Recipe Works

Rich, Creamy Texture: The heavy cream creates a silky sauce that perfectly balances the acidity of the tomato paste.
Layered Flavors: Sautéed onions, garlic, and a splash of vodka add complexity without overpowering the dish.
Simple Ingredients: With pantry staples, you can whip this up in about 20 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
Customizable: Easily adapted with fresh basil or parmesan to fit your cravings and whatever’s in your kitchen.

Creamy Penne alla Vodka, pasta recipes, creamy vodka pasta, easy penne pasta, indulgent pasta dishes - The image shows a pan filled with creamy orange pasta made with penne noodles, all covered evenly in a smooth, thick sauce. On top, there are thin green strips of fresh basil scattered, adding a splash of color. There is also a light sprinkle of white grated cheese that contrasts with the orange sauce. The pan is set on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and bright background to the warm tones of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Creamy Penne alla Vodka Recipe shines because of its simple, quality ingredients that come together beautifully. Each element plays a role in building flavor and texture, so picking good quality ingredients will elevate your dish.

Creamy Penne alla Vodka, pasta recipes, creamy vodka pasta, easy penne pasta, indulgent pasta dishes - Flat lay of uncooked penne pasta scattered neatly next to a small drizzle of golden olive oil in a white ceramic bowl, a few chunks of creamy butter arranged beside finely chopped white onion, one uncracked brown garlic clove peeled and whole, a small white bowl filled with rich red tomato paste, another white bowl holding thick heavy cream, a pinch of coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper displayed side by side on the white surface, a few fresh bright green basil leaves sliced thin and loosely fanned out, and a small pile of finely grated parmesan cheese on a simple white plate, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Penne Pasta: Holds the sauce well with its ridged shape and tube form, making every bite saucy and satisfying.
Olive Oil & Butter: These fats create a rich, flavorful base for sautéing onions and garlic, adding depth to the sauce.
Onion: Finely chopped and gently sautéed for sweetness and a bit of savory punch.
Garlic: Adds that unmistakable aroma and mild bite, but only cooked briefly to keep it from burning.
Vodka: Helps release acidity in the tomato paste and adds a subtle kick without tasting boozy once cooked off.
Tomato Paste: The concentrated tomato flavor that forms the sauce’s backbone—choose tube versions for freshness and ease.
Heavy Cream: Essential for that creamy texture that coats the pasta luxuriously without curdling.
Salt & Pepper: To season and brighten all the rich flavors.
Fresh Basil (optional): Adds a fragrant herbal note and vibrant color.
Parmesan Cheese (optional): For finishing, bringing salty umami and richness.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I’m a fan of keeping it classic, but this creamy penne alla vodka recipe is super forgiving and opens the door for your own twists. Sometimes, I toss in a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat or swap basil for fresh parsley if that’s what’s on hand. Feel free to make it yours!

Spicy Kick Variation: Adding red pepper flakes gave it a fun, subtle heat that my family loved—try it if you like a little zip.
Dairy-Free Version: I’ve experimented with coconut milk here, but it changes the flavor quite a bit, so only do this if you’re okay with a very different result.
Mushroom Addition: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the onions for an earthy, meaty texture that’s great if you want to bulk it up.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Penne alla Vodka Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Penne Al Dente

First, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add a generous amount of salt—you want the water to taste like the sea. This is important because it seasons the pasta from within. Cook your penne according to package instructions or until just al dente (firm but not hard). I usually test a piece a minute or two before the suggested time since I like a tiny bit of bite. Once done, drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water—you might need it later to loosen your sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter together in a skillet over medium heat. The combo gives you buttery flavor and a nice sauté base without burning. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and slightly browned—this adds a subtle sweetness and depth. Don’t rush this step; it’s worth the time for flavor.

Step 3: Add Garlic & Vodka

Stir in minced garlic and cook just about 30 seconds until fragrant—burnt garlic tastes bitter and ruins the sauce, so keep an eye on it. Immediately pour in the vodka and let it bubble for about 30 seconds. This lets the alcohol cook off and the vodka brings a unique brightness to the sauce, helping marry the tomato and cream flavors.

Step 4: Build the Sauce with Tomato Paste & Cream

Mix in the tomato paste until the sauce feels smooth and well combined. Then, pour in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to medium-low. The sauce will start thickening quickly—usually within a couple minutes. If you want it thicker, just keep it on low heat a little longer, stirring often so it doesn’t stick. Season with salt and pepper to taste and toss in fresh basil if you’re using it.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Toss the drained pasta right into the sauce, stirring to coat each piece. If the sauce feels too thick or sticky, add a splash of that reserved hot pasta water to loosen it and bring everything together beautifully. Serve with freshly grated parmesan cheese if you like that extra layer of flavor and a touch of saltiness. Enjoy right away for best results!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Penne alla Vodka Recipe

Reserve Pasta Water: It’s magic for adjusting the sauce’s consistency without watering down flavor.
Don’t Rush Onions: Slow sautéing develops sweetness that balances the acidity from tomato paste.
Choose Quality Tomato Paste: Tube-packed tomato paste gives fresher taste and is easier to measure and store.
Avoid Substituting Cream: Using anything lighter than heavy cream risks curdling and losing the signature silkiness.

How to Serve Creamy Penne alla Vodka Recipe

Creamy Penne alla Vodka, pasta recipes, creamy vodka pasta, easy penne pasta, indulgent pasta dishes - The image shows a close-up of penne pasta covered in a thick, smooth orange sauce. The pasta is mixed well with the sauce and topped with thin green strips of fresh basil scattered across the surface. There is a light sprinkle of grated cheese that adds a slightly grainy texture on top. The background is a white marbled texture, making the colors of the pasta and sauce stand out clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always top mine with a generous handful of fresh, thinly sliced basil leaves and plenty of freshly grated parmesan. The basil adds a fresh, herby brightness that contrasts the rich sauce perfectly, while the parmesan gives that savory, cheesy punch that you’ll find hard to skip. Sometimes, I add a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving—that little finishing touch feels so indulgent.

Side Dishes

Since this dish is pretty rich, I love pairing it with simple sides like a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or garlic-roasted broccoli. A light, fresh side keeps things balanced and rounds out the meal nicely without stealing the show.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to dress it up for guests, try serving the creamy vodka sauce penne in individual shallow bowls garnished with microgreens and a twist of lemon zest. Another fun idea is layering the pasta in small glass dishes, topped with basil and parmesan, so everyone can see those gorgeous layers of sauce and noodles—it’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover creamy penne alla vodka in an airtight container in the refrigerator and try to eat it within 2 days. The sauce thickens as it chills, so before reheating, I stir in a splash of milk or cream to loosen it back up gently without losing that silky texture.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this recipe because dairy-based sauces can separate, but if you must, freeze in a tight container and thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat slowly while stirring, but be aware that texture might not be quite as silky as fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the penne alla vodka gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a bit of cream or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to avoid sticking or curdling, and heat just until warmed through for best texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta instead of penne for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is traditional and perfect for holding the creamy vodka sauce, rigatoni, ziti, or even fusilli work great too. Just pick a pasta shape that can trap and hold onto the sauce to get the best experience.
Is the vodka flavor strong in this dish?

Not at all. The vodka cooks off during the simmer, leaving behind a subtle, tangy depth that brightens the sauce. It enhances flavor without tasting alcoholic.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just substitute penne with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Cooking times might vary, so keep an eye on the pasta to avoid overcooking.
What should I do if the sauce gets too thick?

Simply add a splash of the reserved hot pasta water or a bit more cream to thin it out and stir well. That starchy water helps loosen sauces beautifully without diluting flavor.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

You can make the sauce a few hours ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water as needed to restore its creaminess, then toss with freshly cooked pasta.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Penne alla Vodka Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s comforting yet sophisticated, and it never fails to wow whoever I’m cooking for. It’s truly one of those recipes I find myself returning to again and again when I want easy but impressive. Give it a go—you’ll be rewarded with a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and I guarantee it’ll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen, too.