Penne Russo a La Vodka with Basil Cream Sauce

Indulge in the rich, creamy decadence of Penne Russo a La Vodka with Basil Cream Sauce, a pasta dish that blends comfort and elegance in every bite. Featuring al dente penne pasta coated in a velvety tomato-vodka sauce, this recipe gets its luxurious creaminess from heavy cream and a touch of fresh Parmesan cheese. The bright, aromatic notes of garlic, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil elevate the dish, while a splash of vodka lends depth to the flavor profile. Perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive date-night entrée, this 45-minute recipe balances bold flavor with simplicity. Garnish with extra basil and Parmesan for a stunning presentation that’s equally irresistible.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz Penne pasta
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 tsp Red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp Tomato paste
• 28 oz Canned crushed tomatoes
• 0.5 cup Vodka
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 0.5 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.

Step 2

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently, to release their aromas.

Step 4

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly. Then add the crushed tomatoes, vodka, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Simmer the sauce over medium-low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the alcohol cook out and the flavors meld together.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add half of the chopped fresh basil and simmer for 2 more minutes.

Step 7

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta cooking water, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, until desired consistency is achieved.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 9

Garnish with remaining fresh basil leaves and serve immediately. Optionally, sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1987.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3575.3

Total Fat 173.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 87.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 396.8mg	0%
Sodium 5270.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 327.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.7g	0%
Total Sugars 43.6g
Protein 104.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1695.0mg	0%
Iron 25.6mg	0%
Potassium 4365.2mg	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: 47.5%

Protein: 12.7%

Carbs: 39.8%