Whip up a 30-minute Penne alla Vodka that’s rich, creamy, and restaurant-worthy! The gluten-free sauce is always a hit, perfect for last-minute dinners with friends. Keep it vegetarian or add your favorite protein for a meal everyone will rave about.
This post and the images have been updated for a better reader experience, and the recipe remains the same.
This Penne alla Vodka has been a staple in my kitchen for decades, and it never fails to wow! It’s rich, creamy, and comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for everything from busy weeknights to hosting friends at the last minute. One reader captured it perfectly: “Made this tonight for a ‘last minute-throw together-have people over’ dinner. Fabulous and a huge hit!” That’s what makes this recipe so special—it’s simple but always impressive.
The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free and bursting with flavor, giving you a great base to customize. While it’s perfect as-is, I love adding proteins to change things up. Here are some tried-and-true options to make it your own:
- Grilled chicken for a classic addition.
- Sautéed shrimp – yum!
- Crispy pancetta or bacon for a smoky, indulgent twist.
- Savory Italian sausage for bold, hearty flavor.
- Tender meatballs to turn it into the ultimate comfort food!
No matter how you serve it, this dish will have people going back for seconds—and asking for the recipe. It’s quick, foolproof, and sure to become a favorite in your kitchen too!
Inside Scoop on This Penne alla Vodka Recipe
Cuisine Inspiration: Classic Italian with a rich, creamy twist
Cooking Method: Stovetop simmering
Dietary Info: Naturally gluten-free sauce; easily made vegetarian or paired with your favorite protein
Key Flavor: Velvety tomato cream sauce with a hint of spice and a smooth finish from vodka
Skill Level: So simple, you’ll feel like a pro chef in just 30 minutes!
I enjoy giving precise details in my recipe posts to lead my readers through any questions. If you’re just here for the printable recipe, use the Jump to Recipe to head straight there!
What Is Vodka Sauce?
Well, simply put, it’s a red cream sauce that you add vodka too, sometimes called pink vodka sauce. But it’s not quite that simple, you can’t just make your favorite sauce and toss in a shot of vodka.
If you did, you would be overpowered and put off by the bitter and strong alcoholic taste.
Cooking with Vodka
- When cooking Penne alla Vodka, add the vodka at the beginning along with the melted butter and red pepper flakes so it can simmer and reduce slightly. Doing it this way reduces the peppery flavor of raw vodka and will develop herbal notes that add depth to the dish.
- Vodka is flavorless but plays a big role in bringing out the sweetness of the tomatoes and adds a gentle kick with a smooth finish. Although the alcohol doesn’t cook out completely, simmering for about 30 minutes reduces it by a lot, leaving only about 35% of the alcohol content. The longer it simmers, the more it cooks off and leaves behind rich flavors without the harshness of raw alcohol.
Simple Ingredients for Penne with Vodka sauce
- Penne Pasta – Or other short-ridged pasta such as Rigatoni; ridged pasta hold the sauce better in their little crevices.
- Butter – This is not diet food! Use real butter; I promise you won’t be sorry! Use regular butter or unsalted butter.
- Vodka – Use the best you can afford; that is the bottom line: the alcohol will mostly burn off, leaving behind a lovely and amazing flavor.
- Tomatoes – I use crushed tomatoes for this recipe, but have also used whole San Marzano tomatoes, crushed with my hand as I add.
- Seasoning Salt and Red Pepper Flakes – Add’s just the right amount of seasoning and kick! If preferred, use kosher salt instead.
- Heavy Cream – Did I mention this isn’t diet food? But oh, how your tastebuds will sing!
- Fresh Basil – Fresh is best for this dish.
- Parmesan Cheese – Use real fresh, grated parmesan for the most flavor.
- Protein Add-Ins: These are optional; we love this with cooked Italian Sausage, Pancetta, bacon, and/or meatballs.
Get the full recipe in the recipe card below.
Do You Need Vodka for Easy Vodka Sauce?
Yes! Vodka does alter the flavor of the sauce in a pleasing way. It adds a touch of heat and a bit of a sharp bite that help balance out the sweetness of the tomatoes and the cream. Is it absolutely necessary? No, but vodka sauce just wouldn’t be, well, vodka sauce without it. Source
How to make Vodka Penne Pasta
Step 1 – Prep Ingredients
Fill a large pot full of water and bring to a boil. Before adding penne pasta; add a teaspoon or two of salt and cook al dente according to package directions. Measure, gather all the rest of your ingredients and this will come together so quickly.
Step 2 – Make vodka sauce
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. *If adding a protein, do this first (see tip below). Add butter, melt, and then stir in red pepper flakes. Add more red pepper flakes if you like it spicier!
If Adding Protein:
Brown the protein in the skillet before you start the pasta. Once cooked, remove it with a slotted spoon or tongs and set it aside on a plate. Unless there’s an excessive amount of grease, don’t wipe the pan clean—those browned bits and drippings add extra layers of flavor to the sauce, making the dish even more delicious!
Carefully pour in vodka; it will boil up violently initially. Allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes until reduced by about half.
Add crushed tomatoes, or whole San Marzano tomatoes, crushed with your hands as you place them in the pan.
Pour in heavy cream, stirring gently to combine.
Add seasoning salt, stir to mix, and bring to a simmer, then simmer, stirring with wooden spoon occasionally, for 10-15 minutes. While the sauce simmers, cook pasta according to package directions.
Step 3 – Making Penne alla Vodka
Chiffonade (slice) your basil while the sauce simmers and set aside grated parmesan cheese.
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain your pasta. Once the sauce has simmered, add the pasta directly to the saucepan and gently toss to coat. If there’s too much pasta for the pan, transfer it back to the pot it was boiled in (after draining the water) and pour the sauce over the top, mixing gently. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Top with fresh shaved parmesan and minced fresh basil, and serve immediately with garlic bread and this Romaine Steakhouse Salad.
Make Ahead Penne alla Vodka with Sausage
- Boil pasta until al dente, which means it has a bit of a bite to it still, not mushy, rinse with cool water in a colander and allow to cool 2-4 minutes.
- Toss pasta back in the pot and toss with a bit of olive oil (don’t douse it, just a tablespoon or so), tossing to coat.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To serve, toss the pasta into a pot of boiling water for 2-3 minutes, drain, and use as planned.
How to Prepare Vodka Cream Sauce in Advance
- Prepare sauce as described in the recipe, allowing it to cool to room temperature.
- Place pink sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 7 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop in a large saucepan (this Staub Perfect Pan is truly perfect!); if desired, add 2 teaspoons of vodka and simmer for additional 7 minutes on low. Proceed with the recipe.
Can you Freeze Pasta
Again the answer is a resounding, YES!
- Prepare ahead of time as directed above in the “Make Ahead” portion making sure to cool* completely. It’s best to freeze the pasta and the sauce separately when possible.
- If you have leftovers (yay!) they will keep well in the fridge for 5-7 days, rewarm by placing in a covered oven safe dish, in a preheated 300 degree oven for 15-20 minutes. Or microwave until warm.
- For frozen leftovers, follow above instructions, but sprinkle a tablespoon of water and bake for 30 minutes until warmed through, or microwave on lower heat until warmed through.
*Hot or warm foods that go directly into the freezer produce condensation, which creates frost — and frost is not our friend when it comes to food!
Penne Vodka Recipe Variations & Tips
- Pasta – You don’t have to use Penne Pasta, use any ridged pasta (it holds the sauce better), like Rigatoni, fusilli, mostaccioli, and of course penne.
- Protein – Add some if you like. We like Italian sausage and/or meatballs, but pancetta is traditional or try grilled or rotisserie chicken or shrimp would be delicious, too!
- Simmer – Be sure to simmer the sauce for at least 7 minutes, this reduces the bite and bitterness of the vodka ensuring it only enhances the sweet tomatoes.
- Quality Tomatoes – Italian canned tomatoes, splurge for the more expensive ones, it is so worth it. I like San Marzano! Crushed if you are in a rush, whole if you have a little time. You can place them in a blender and blend beforehand or whir with an immersion blender after you’ve simmered the sauce before adding the cheese.
- Other ways to use: Try using the sauce instead of other red pasta sauces, like in lasagna, stuffed shells, ravioli and more.
- Shuzh it up a bit by sauteing ½ cup finely minced onion in the butter, along with three cloves garlic.
- Or saute chopped or sliced zucchini, sliced mushrooms in the butter and proceed with the recipe — can you see how versatile this recipe is!?
Serve Penne Alla Vodka hot with extra shaved cheese; grind some salt and fresh ground black pepper if desired.
What to serve with Penne Vodka Pasta
This is a meal all itself and doesn’t really need a whole lot to make it a complete meal; here are a few suggestions.
Best Easy Italian Chopped Salad Recipe
Loaded Italian chopped salad with fresh veggies, salami, provolone, kalamata olives, and homemade Italian vinaigrette. A light and delicious meal that will make you love salads!
Crispy Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli
Beautifully seasoned and oven roasted to perfection, these healthy crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli recipe is a game-changer for weeknight meals. The prep is quick, and it only takes about 30 minutes for the veggies to roast.
Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe
This Air fryer asparagus recipe is a healthier and easier way to prepare garden fresh asparagus. A fresh and healthy veggie side dish with simple seasonings for amazing flavor and beautiful presentation.
What desserts should you serve with Pasta alla Vodka?
Italian Waffle Cookies
Start a new tradition this year and make these unique and favorite Pizzelle cookies! These vanilla butter waffle cookies will be perfect on your Christmas cookie tray this year.
Italian Pizzelle Cookies are thin, crisp, waffle-like cookies with holiday flavor and lightly dusted with powdered sugar. They make great gifts too!
Classic Italian Tiramisu Recipe
Traditional Tiramisu is an Italian dessert recipe with layers of mascarpone custard, whipped cream, layered between rum and espresso soaked ladyfingers.
Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake Recipe
You are going to love my Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake Recipe. This rich, moist cake is an easy cake recipe filled with rich lemon flavor and creamy ricotta that is an authentic Italian treat – made right in your kitchen. This easy lemon ricotta cake may look plain, but the taste is out of this world! An Italian cheesecake if you will!
You may want to whip up some fancy cocktails or mocktails to go with this gorgeous dish, try this Cranberry Lemon Drop Martini or amazing Cherry Bomb, or pour yourself a glass of rich red wine!
More of our favorite Italian Recipes
I love fast, easy, authentic Italian meals! Try my Grandpa’s Secret Spaghetti Sauce, Creamy Tuscan Bow Tie Pasta, Tuscan Chicken, Italian Marinara Sauce, this easy Marry Me Chicken or even this Spaghetti Pie!
I hope you loved this easy vodka sauce recipe — if you did, would you share your creation on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest? And be sure to comment below!
Like this recipe?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and leave a comment below the recipe!
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb Penne pasta cooked according to package directions for al dente. Or try Rigatoni, fusilli, mostaccioli.
- 6-8 tablespoons butter regular or unsalted, if using unsalted, add ¼ teaspoon seasoning salt (additional)
- ½ – 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or more depending on desired heat
- ¾ cup vodka
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes I prefer Cento or Pomi, or whole San Marzano tomatoes, crushing with hands, or in food processor, blender
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt like Lawry’s
- 8 – 10 fresh basil leaves chiffonade
- 4 oz parmesan cheese grated or shaved
- Fresh ground salt and pepper to taste
Optinal Add-Ins
- 4 – 6 links Italian Sausage
- Meatballs
- 4 ounces pancetta chopped
Instructions
- Start 4 quarts of water to boil in separate large pot for the pasta, adding 1-2 teaspoons kosher salt to the water.1 lb Penne pasta
- If desired before making sauce, cook Italian Sausage, chopped Pancette, or meatballs in pan until cooked through, remove and wipe out excess grease, leave some! Cover and simmer until warmed through.
- Melt butter in a large skillet. Stir in red pepper flakes and vodka, vodka will boil violently. Allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes.6-8 tablespoons butter, ½ – 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, ¾ cup vodka
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and cream. Add seasoning salt and stir well. Simmer 7 – 15 minutes28 oz can crushed tomatoes, ¾ cup heavy cream
- While sauce simmers, cook pasta according to package directions for al dente pasta. While pasta is cooking; chiffonade or chop of your basil.
- Grate parmesan cheese. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain pasta and return to pot. Pour pasta into sauce and stir to coat. Sprinkle in basil and shaved parmesan, mix gently.8 – 10 fresh basil leaves, 4 oz parmesan cheese, Fresh ground salt and pepper to taste
- Serve immediately with fresh parmesan grated on top, along with a few grinds of salt and pepper if desired. Delicious served with crusty Italian bread, garlic bread and a crisp green salad.
Notes
Nutrition
Natalie
A great quick and easy dish that tastes like you spent all day on it! Everyone in my family went back for seconds.
Always a win when they go back for seconds! Thanks, Natalie!
Dana
So delicious and so easy! Very excited I found this recipe.
Thank you so much, Dana!
Jess
I love how easy this is!
It’s silly easy!!
Jen
I made this for dinner and our family loved it. I did leave out the red pepper flakes, because we don’t like spicy at all.
I love how you made it yours!
Tayler
I made this pasta for dinner last night and my family loved it! The sausage was such a nice addition!
Thanks so much, Tayler!
Shelby
A quick, easy, and delicious meal for weeknights. We love switching up the protein based on what we have, or what we’re craving. Yum!
That’s so perfect! Works every time!
Traci
This is one of the most amazing pasta dishes I have ever had. I make it once a month at least. Family favorite!!
Thank you so much Traci! It’s one of our favorites too!!
Joelle Wedel
This quick and delicious recipe is a “go to” for our family or when friends come over. Super easy to modify for gluten free. Try this!!
Diane Kaiser
My family loved this recipe. I added some Italian sausage for a little protein. This will be added to our “favorites” rotation. Thanks!
Diane Kaiser
This dish was a hit with my family – thank you! I added some Italian sausage. Definitely a keeper.
Love hearing this Diane! Thank you! Have a great week!
Kathleen
Deb
I’ve always wanted to make a Vodka sauce, but could never get the flavors right. This is perfect!!
Julie Menghini
This recipe tastes like something you’d get at a fancy restaurant! We loved it and the little kick. So flavorful!
Paige
This is a great version of penne alla vodka, everyone in my house LOVED it!
MICHAELA KENKEL
I loved this pasta recipe — so much so that I made it twice in one week!!
Cameron
Making this again! This time we will use the right amount of vodka and may serve it with grilled chicken. Easy and delish!
Tasia ~ two sugar bugs
I love a quick and delicious dinner! This pasta looks like it would be a hit at my house. Pinned!!
Love to hear this Tasia, it’s a big favorite in our house too!
Lynn Spencer
Thanks for this delicious, easy and reliable recipe! A perfect ‘go-to’ recipe for last-minute company.
Truly a perfect for last minute company! Thanks Lynn!
Lynn Spencer
One of those recipes that everyone needs in their recipe arsenal for busy nights or last minute company.
Natalie Shallow
Made this tonight for a “last minute-throw together-have people over” dinner. Fabulous and a huge hit!
Makes me so happy, Natalie!! Thanks for sharing!
Patty Gerze
Looks wonderful as always! Can’t wait to make it! Love the picture of no. one son ?
Lol! He was so hungry that night and I made him wait until I got pictures. Had to snap that one. Hope you love it!!