Creamy Vodka Pasta

Indulge in the rich, velvety flavors of Creamy Vodka Pasta, a comforting Italian-inspired dish that's perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. Featuring tender penne pasta enveloped in a luscious tomato vodka sauce, this recipe balances creamy heavy cream with the bright tang of tomato paste and a subtle kick from red pepper flakes. Sautéed onions and garlic build a flavorful base, while a splash of vodka adds depth and complexity to the sauce. Finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fragrant basil, every bite is a harmony of creamy, cheesy, and herbaceous goodness. Ready in just 40 minutes, this creamy pasta is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for pairing with a crisp salad or crusty garlic bread for an irresistible meal that feels fancy yet effortless.

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
• 170 grams Tomato paste
• 120 milliliters Vodka
• 240 milliliters Heavy cream
• 100 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0 to taste Salt
• 0 to taste Black pepper
• 10 grams Fresh basil leaves, chopped

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Once the butter is melted, add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the tomato paste and cook, stirring frequently, until it darkens slightly, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Carefully add the vodka to the skillet and allow it to simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream until fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7

Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches desired consistency.

Step 8

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Step 9

Remove the skillet from heat, and sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1324.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3927.5

Total Fat 172.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 86.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 402mg	0%
Sodium 4252.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 413.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.3g	0%
Total Sugars 25.5g
Protein 112.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1229.9mg	0%
Iron 24.6mg	0%
Potassium 3001.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.4%

Protein: 12.3%

Carbs: 45.3%