Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of Creamy Vodka Pasta, a decadent dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. With its creamy tomato sauce, a hint of vodka, and a blend of Italian seasonings, this pasta delivers unforgettable flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Creamy Vodka Pasta is the ideal balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors. The vodka adds a subtle depth that enhances the tomato base, while the creaminess makes every bite feel luxurious. It’s easy to make, yet fancy enough to impress your guests.

Ingredients

(Not all ingredients are listed; the full list is below in the recipe card.)

Pasta: Penne is traditionally used, but feel free to use any pasta shape you love.
Tomato sauce: The base for the sauce, giving it a rich, tangy flavor.
Vodka: Adds depth to the sauce, helping to release flavors from the tomatoes and spices.
Heavy cream: Creates that luscious, creamy texture that makes this pasta irresistible.

Directions

Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package directions, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the sauce: In a large pan, sauté garlic and onion in olive oil until fragrant. Add tomato paste, tomato sauce, and vodka. Let it simmer for a few minutes to cook off the alcohol.
Add the cream: Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer on low heat until it’s thickened and smooth.
Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, making sure each piece is well-coated.
Finish and serve: Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for a little heat. Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese before serving.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use high-quality vodka to get the best flavor. You don’t need to use an expensive brand, but avoid the cheapest options.
Don’t skip simmering the vodka—this step allows it to enhance the tomato flavor without being too overpowering.
For extra richness, add a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese directly to the sauce while it simmers.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage to make this dish a complete meal.
Vegan version: Use plant-based cream and a dairy-free vodka to make this dish vegan-friendly.
Spicy variation: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Creamy Vodka Pasta pairs perfectly with a side of garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables. It also goes well with a light, crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This pasta freezes well; store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this dish without vodka?
A: The vodka adds depth to the sauce, but you can skip it. If you prefer, use a splash of chicken or vegetable broth to replace the vodka.

Q: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
A: Yes, but the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy. If you want a similar texture, add a little extra butter to make up for the lower fat content.

Q: What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
A: Penne is ideal because its ridges hold the sauce well. However, any pasta shape like rigatoni, farfalle, or spaghetti will work.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A: Absolutely! Mushrooms, spinach, or peas make great additions to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Creamy Vodka Pasta is the perfect indulgence for any pasta lover. With its luxurious sauce and comforting flavors, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe for dinner. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight meal or a dinner party, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Creamy Vodka Pasta Perfection

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Author: Jake
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Rich, velvety, and utterly indulgent, this Creamy Vodka Pasta Perfection recipe is a modern classic. The tangy tomato sauce combined with smooth cream, a splash of vodka, and perfectly cooked pasta makes for a dish that’s as easy as it is impressive. Ideal for weeknight dinners or a cozy date night!

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Make the Base for the Sauce:
1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Deglaze with Vodka:
1. Stir in the vodka, letting it simmer for 2-3 minutes to cook off the alcohol and deepen the flavor.
Add Tomatoes and Cream:
1. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
2. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, cooking until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
1. Add the cooked penne to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Finish with Cheese and Herbs:
1. Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
Serve and Enjoy:
1. Divide into bowls, garnish with more Parmesan and basil, and serve immediately.

Notes

For a richer flavor, add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste when sautéing the garlic.
Swap penne for rigatoni or spaghetti for a fun variation.
For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the vodka with a splash of chicken or vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Serving Size: ~1.5 cups
Calories: ~450
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 45mg