Pasta with Vodka
Elevate your pasta night with this indulgent Pasta with Vodka recipe—a creamy, rich dish that balances bold flavors and comforting textures. Perfectly cooked penne pasta is coated in a luscious vodka-infused tomato sauce, enriched with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese for a velvety finish. Sautéed onions and garlic lend depth to the sauce, while a hint of crushed red pepper flakes adds optional heat. Fresh basil adds a fragrant, herbaceous touch to this Italian-inspired classic. Ideal for date night dinners or easy yet impressive entertaining, this 45-minute recipe is guaranteed to wow your taste buds. Serve it piping hot with a side of garlic bread and extra Parmesan for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 cup vodka
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 4 quarts water (for boiling pasta)
- 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling pasta)
Instructions
Bring 4 quarts of water to boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and the penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Carefully pour in the vodka and simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the alcohol to cook off.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, ensuring the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Continue to simmer for 5 more minutes.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and well incorporated.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the pasta and stir gently.
Serve the pasta hot with extra Parmesan cheese on the side, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
520 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 27.1 g | 35% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.2 g | 61% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 56 mg | 19% | |
| Sodium | 2429 mg | 106% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 42.0 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.5 g | ||
| Protein | 12.2 g | 24% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 159 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 1.4 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 694 mg | 15% | |
*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.
