Make this Penne alla Vodka in only 30 minutes using just a skillet and a pasta pot. It’s a restaurant-quality dish that’s rich and creamy! Perfect for a last-minute dinner with friends and family. Keep it vegetarian or add your favorite protein, like sausage, for a meal everyone will rave about.
Reader Review:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”A great, quick, and easy dish that tastes like you spent all day on it! Everyone in my family went back for seconds.” -Natalie
This post and the images have been updated for a better reader experience; the recipe remains the same.
This Penne alla Vodka has been a staple dinner recipe in my kitchen for decades, and it never fails to impress! 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. That’s what makes this recipe so special—it’s simple but always impressive.
Raising two boys, I’ll be the first to say they love pasta! This is one of the dishes they request most often, since it pairs with any protein (we love Italian sausage) and is just so flavorful. With less than 10 ingredients, that I usually already have at home, it’s a hassle-free meal that disappears in no time!
No matter how you serve it, this dish will have people going back for seconds—and asking for the recipe. If you love a great pasta dish, our Baked Rigatoni and Steak Alfredo are two others to try.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- Restaurant-quality dish right at home. My whole family tells me this is better than any Italian restaurant and it’s so easy to make!
- Minimal dishes means minimal clean up. Forget having to spend an hour after dinner cleaning, this penne alla vodka recipe uses one pot and one skillet making clean up no more than 10 minutes.
- Easy to customize with any protein. I love adding Italian sausage, but bacon, meatballs, sauteed shrimp, even shredded chicken all work well.
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?
Simply put, it’s a red cream sauce that you add vodka to, 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.
It’s a quick homemade pasta sauce made with canned tomatoes, butter, and heavy cream as well. The vodka is a key ingredient because it helps emulsify the heavy cream with the other ingredients, resulting in a silky smooth texture.
Cooking with 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, leaving behind rich flavors without the harshness of raw alcohol.
Ingredients
- Penne Pasta – Or other short-ridged pasta such as Rigatoni; ridged pastas 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 by hand as I add them. Then use an immersion blender to smooth the sauce out.
- Seasoning Salt and Red Pepper Flakes – Adds 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 taste buds will sing!
- Fresh Basil – Fresh is best for this dish.
- Parmesan Cheese – Use real, fresh, grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for the most flavor.
- Protein Add-Ins: These are optional; we love this with cooked Italian Sausage, Pancetta, Prosciutto, 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 Penne alla Vodka
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 instructions. 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!
Pro Tip: If You’re 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 – Assemble
Chiffonade (slice) your basil while the sauce simmers, and set aside the 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. Add half of the Parmesan cheese.
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.
Expert Tips
- Swap out the Penne Pasta. You don’t have to use penne; use any ridged pasta (it holds the sauce better). I like Rigatoni, fusilli, mostaccioli, and of course, penne.
- 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 sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Buy quality canned tomatoes. Italian canned tomatoes, splurge for the more expensive ones, it is so worth it. I love 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.
- Be sure to reserve some of the starchy pasta cooking water. This is the restaurant-quality secret that makes the sauce the perfect consistency.
- Add the parmesan cheese at the end of cooking off the heat. If you add it too early, it will clump and ruin the texture of the noodles.
Variations & Substitutions
- Other ways to use the sauce: Try using this vodka sauce in lasagna, stuffed shells, ravioli, and more.
- Add some onion. Shuzh it up a bit by sauteing ½ cup finely minced onion in the butter, along with three garlic cloves.
- Add some veggies. Sauté chopped or sliced zucchini, sliced mushrooms in the butter, and proceed with the recipe — can you see how versatile this recipe is!?
- Add some protein – We’ve tried all the options below and find them delicious. Italian sausage is our favorite.
- Grilled chicken for a classic addition.
- Sautéed shrimp is great in the summertime.
- Crispy pancetta or bacon for a smoky, indulgent twist. This is a more traditional option.
- Savory Italian sausage for bold, hearty flavor.
- Tender meatballs to turn it into the ultimate comfort food!
- Gluten-Free Pasta alla Vodka: The sauce itself is gluten-free! Substitute your pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta – ta-da!! Instant GF meal.
- Low-Carb: Once again, the sauce is low-carb, substitute the pasta for a protein pasta, zucchini zoodles, hearts of palm pasta or spaghetti squash.
- Dairy-Free: Swap out the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese for plant-based equivalents!
Storage
Store any leftover penne alla vodka in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet slowly, over low heat, bring the sauce up to a simmer until heated through. If the cream curdles a bit, whisk well while heating, and add a splash of reserved pasta water or a tablespoon of cream to bring it all back together.
Make Ahead Instructions:
- Boil the pasta until al dente and allow it to cool. Toss with olive oil and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prepare the 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; if desired, add 2 teaspoons of vodka and simmer for an 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!
Serve Penne Alla Vodka hot with extra shaved cheese; grind some salt and fresh ground black pepper if desired.
Can kids eat penne alla vodka?
Yes, kids can definitely eat Penne alla Vodka! The alcohol cooks off as it simmers, leaving a rich, creamy sauce without the booze. I’ve served this to our kids for years–even picky eaters love it! You can always simmer a bit longer or reduce the vodka if you prefer, adding a splash of chicken or beef broth.
What to serve with Penne Vodka Pasta
This is a meal all on its own and doesn’t really need much to make it complete; here are a few suggestions. Our favorite Italian Chopped Salad, oven-roasted Sweet potatoes and Broccoli, Air Fryer Asparagus,
What desserts should you serve with Pasta alla Vodka?
Try our family favorites! We love these Italian Waffle Cookies, classic Tiramisu, Pignolis, or this Lemon Ricotta Cake.
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 Delicious Italian Recipes:
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 pound Penne pasta cooked according to package directions for al dente. Or 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 ounce can San Marzano crushed or whole tomatoes I prefer Cento or Pomi, or whole San Marzano tomatoes, crushing with hands, or with immersion blender after heating
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt like Lawry’s
- 8 – 10 fresh basil leaves chiffonade (slice into ribbons)
- 4 oz parmesan cheese grated or shaved
- Fresh ground salt and pepper to taste
Optinal Add-Ins
- 4 – 6 links Italian Sausage cooked
- Meatballs cooked
- 4 ounces pancetta chopped
Instructions
- Start 4 quarts of water to boil in separate large pot for the pasta, adding 1-2 tablespoons kosher salt to the water once boiling.1 pound Penne pasta
- If desired before making sauce, cook Italian Sausage, chopped Pancetta, or meatballs in pan until cooked through, remove and wipe out excess grease, but leave some and the brown bits = flavor!4 – 6 links Italian Sausage, Meatballs, 4 ounces pancetta
- 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 ounce can San Marzano crushed or whole tomatoes, ¾ cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 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
Cheryl
Will make this for the first time so which brand of vodka do you recommend for this recipe?
I like Tito’s but use any brand. I wouldn’t use the cheapest but it doesn’t have to be super pricey either.
Tasia
So simple and yet full of flavor! The whole family loves this one.
Love hearing this Tasia!!! Thank you!
Kathleen Miller
Perfect! I grilled some chicken and added that on top with a little reserved sauce. Then of course, added more parm! So good!
Thank you, Kathleen, that sounds delish!!
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!!