Creamy Vodka Pasta
Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of Creamy Vodka Pasta, a velvety Italian-American classic that's sure to elevate your pasta night. This comforting dish combines perfectly cooked penne pasta with a lush, tomato-forward vodka sauce that's carefully balanced with a touch of heat from red pepper flakes and the smooth creaminess of heavy cream. Infused with aromatic garlic, onions, and a splash of vodka, this recipe creates a depth of flavor that’s truly irresistible. Finished with a generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and vibrant basil leaves, this 30-minute meal is perfect for date nights or family dinners. Serve it with crusty bread or a crisp side salad for a restaurant-worthy experience right at home! Keywords: creamy vodka pasta, penne vodka recipe, easy pasta dish, Italian-American cuisine, creamy pasta recipe.
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Recipe Information
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
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 10 grams Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
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.
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.
Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook, stirring frequently, until it darkens slightly, about 5 minutes.
Carefully add the vodka to the skillet and allow it to simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half, about 3-4 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream until fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Remove the skillet from heat, and sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
432 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 13.8 g | 18% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.9 g | 25% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 16 mg | 5% | |
| Sodium | 502 mg | 22% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 50.8 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.4 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.4 g | ||
| Protein | 9.9 g | 20% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 43 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 455 mg | 10% | |
*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.
