This creamy vodka pasta perfection recipe combines al dente pasta, a luscious vodka-infused tomato cream sauce, and simple ingredients for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Author:Tina
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
12 oz penne or rigatoni
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup vodka
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant and softened.
Add vodka and simmer for 3–4 minutes until reduced.
Stir in crushed tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
Lower the heat, add heavy cream, and mix until the sauce is smooth.
Toss cooked pasta with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
Notes
For a non-alcoholic version, substitute vodka with chicken or vegetable broth.
Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
Adjust red pepper flakes based on spice preference.