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    Home » Recipes » Italian

    Penne with Vodka Sauce

    Published on May 10, 2022 - Updated on January 7, 2023 by Chef Rodney - Leave a Comment - This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Pasta lovers will love this Penne with Vodka Sauce dish. Very easy to make and ready in under 40 minutes.
     
    penne vodka sauce

    My wife likes to challenge me by giving me an ingredient or two and coming up with a recipe. This time she picked Vodka of all things and since I already made Vodka Mashed Potatoes I decided to make this Penne in Vodka Sauce.

    vodka sauce
    Vodka Sauce

    Just because I decided to use Penne pasta for this recipe doesn't mean you have to. I think rotini pasta would make a great substitute for the penne. Like I always say, use what you got! The rock star of the recipe is the vodka sauce.

    penne tossed in vodka sauce

    The same goes for the Vodka, use what you got on hand. Since most of it should burn off during the cooking process you don't need to use the expensive stuff as you will not taste it in the sauce. Groceries are expensive enough as it is and so is alcohol so keep the cost of this recipe in check by using the cheaper stuff.

    bottle vodka

    🥃 Alcohol Warning

    Please take into consideration that some of the alcohol in this recipe may not completely burn off and the remains could be of significant concern to recovering alcoholics, parents, and others who have ethical or religious reasons for avoiding alcohol.
     
    penne vodka sauce

    💭 What is Al Dente

    When cooking pasta, it's important to cook the pasta al dente to ensure to best texture possible. If you are not familiar with the term "al dente", it means cooking the pasta so it's still chewy and firm and that it will hold its shape when the sauce is added to it.

    fresh basil leaves
    Fresh Basil Leaves

    💭 Recipe Variation

    If you want to add some protein to this delicious pasta dish you can add some ground beef or ground turkey to the pasta sauce. Or if you prefer you can add my Fantastic Bourbon Meatballs which would be perfect for this dish.

    penne vodka sauce

    For more great recipes with Vodka, I suggest you check these recipes out:

    • The Best Caesar Cocktail
    • Instant Pot Homemade Vanilla Extract
    • Vodka Mashed Potatoes

    📋 What Ingredients do I need

    You will need the following ingredients to make this Penne with Vodka Sauce recipe (see recipe card for quantities): Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic Clove, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, Crushed Tomatoes, Vodka, Salt, Heavy Cream, Penne Pasta and Fresh Basil.

    🥣 How to make Penne with Vodka Sauce

    In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
    Add the onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and the crushed red pepper and cook until the garlic is golden and fragrant about 30 seconds.
    Stir in the crushed tomatoes including the puree, vodka and salt. Bring to boil over high heat.
    Reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce has thickened, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in the cream and bring to a boil.
    Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, cook the penne pasta al dente according to the directions on the package. Drain pasta in a colander.
    In a large serving bowl, toss the pasta with the sauce.
    Optionally garnish with basil and parmesan cheese.

    penne with vodka sauce

    Penne with Vodka Sauce

    Pasta lovers will love this Penne with Vodka Sauce dish. Very easy to make and ready in under 40 minutes.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Total Time 40 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 655 kcal

    Equipment

    • Skillet
    • Saucepan

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
    • 1 small Yellow Onion, diced
    • 3 Garlic Cloves, minced
    • ¼ teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
    • 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes, in puree
    • 3 tablespoon Vodka
    • ½ teaspoon Salt
    • ½ Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
    • 1 lb Penne Pasta

    Garnish (Optional)

    • ½ Cup Fresh Basil, thinly sliced
    • ¼ Cup Parmesan Cheese, shaved
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
    • Add the onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and the crushed red pepper and cook until the garlic is golden and fragrant about 30 seconds.
    • Stir in the crushed tomatoes including the puree, vodka and salt. Bring to boil over high heat.
    • Reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce has thickened, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in the cream and bring to a boil.
    • Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, cook the penne pasta al dente according to the directions on the package. Drain pasta in a colander.
    • In a large serving bowl, toss the pasta with the sauce.
    • Optionally garnish with basil and parmesan cheese.

    Notes

    → Please take into consideration that some of the alcohol in this recipe may not completely burn off and the remains could be of significant concern to recovering alcoholics, parents, and others who have ethical or religious reasons for avoiding alcohol.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 655kcalCarbohydrates: 103gProtein: 19gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 34mgSodium: 571mgPotassium: 917mgFiber: 8gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 1060IUVitamin C: 21mgCalcium: 125mgIron: 4mg

    Nutritional information provided for this recipe is based on 1 serving. This information is an estimate and may vary based on several factors. If nutritional information is important to you and your diet, please verify this recipe with a Registered Dietitian.

    Tried this Recipe?Leave a Comment below and share a picture on Instagram and tag @hot_rods_recipes and hashtag #hotrodsrecipes!

    More Easy Italian Recipes

    • Easy Baked Italian Meatballs
    • Classic Lasagna
    • Italian Manicotti
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