Vodka Cream Pasta

Indulge in the creamy, luxurious flavors of Vodka Cream Pasta, a restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly easy to make at home in just 40 minutes. This comforting recipe blends perfectly al dente penne with a luscious sauce made of sautéed garlic, onions, and a bold splash of vodka, which enhances the richness of the tomato paste and heavy cream. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese melts seamlessly into the sauce, adding a nutty, savory finish, while a hint of crushed red pepper flakes provides a gentle kick of heat. Garnished with fresh basil, this one-pan pasta dinner is as elegant as it is satisfying, perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Whether you're craving Italian comfort food or looking for a show-stopping dish to impress your guests, this creamy vodka pasta recipe delivers in flavor and ease.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
• 0.5 cups vodka
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Carefully pour in the vodka and cook for 2-3 minutes, letting the alcohol reduce slightly.

Step 5

Add the tomato paste and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the paste thickens and coats the onions evenly.

Step 6

Reduce heat to low and add the heavy cream. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and fully combined.

Step 7

Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 8

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 9

Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1130.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3124.1

Total Fat 151.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 74.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 342mg	0%
Sodium 2053.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 299.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.5g	0%
Total Sugars 27.1g
Protein 68.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 561.0mg	0%
Iron 18.2mg	0%
Potassium 2683.3mg	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: 48.1%

Protein: 9.7%

Carbs: 42.3%