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Creamy Vodka Penne: Favorite Weeknight Dinner! Vodka penne: Make this unbelievably creamy and delicious pasta recipe in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick we

Creamy Vodka Penne: Favorite Weeknight Dinner!

Vodka penne is a classic Italian-American dish that has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason! This creamy, dreamy pasta is surprisingly simple to make, featuring a rich tomato cream sauce with a subtle kick from vodka and a comforting blend of garlic, onion, and Parmesan. Perfect for a weeknight treat or a casual dinner party, vodka penne delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. This recipe focuses on creating a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to the penne, ensuring every bi
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Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g / 1 lb penne or ziti
  • 2 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1/2 cup (140g / 4.5 oz) tomato paste
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup vodka
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 3/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 2 tsp salt and pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente.
  2. Reserve pasta water: Before draining, scoop out about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water and set aside.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic, cook for 1.5 minutes until translucent.
  4. Cook tomato paste: Add tomato paste to the pot. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes until it darkens in color. Lower heat if it starts to catch.
  5. Simmer sauce: Stir in heavy cream, red pepper flakes, 3/4 tsp salt, and vodka. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Combine and serve: Turn off heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Add drained pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency. Serve immediately.

Notes

- Use good quality tomato paste for the deepest flavor.
- Don't skip reserving the pasta water; it's key to emulsifying the sauce.
- For an alcohol-free version, substitute chicken broth or extra cream for the vodka.
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed vegetables for a heartier meal.
Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.