How to Make the Perfect Creamy Vodka Sauce Pasta
Italian American · Easy · 35 min · 4 servings
A rich and silky pasta dish featuring a tomato cream sauce with a subtle kick from vodka. This classic Italian American recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Why this recipe works
This Creamy Vodka Sauce Pasta recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 620 calories with 18g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 10 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 400 g penne pasta
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small yellow onion finely diced
- 80 ml vodka
- 400 g crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- 180 ml heavy cream
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- 60 g Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tsp salt
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 120 ml of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Saute the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Vodka and Tomatoes
Pour in the vodka and let it cook off for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring. Add the crushed tomatoes, season with salt, and simmer over medium low heat for 10 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Step 4: Finish with Cream
Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens and turns a deep orange color. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Toss the drained pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency. Serve immediately topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- heavy cream → full fat coconut cream for a dairy free version
- vodka → chicken broth with a splash of white wine vinegar
- penne pasta → rigatoni or fusilli for similar texture
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not cooking the vodka long enough which leaves a harsh alcohol taste in the sauce
- Adding cream to a sauce that is too hot which causes it to curdle and separate
- Skipping the pasta water which is essential for binding the sauce to the noodles
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 620 calories, 18g protein, 72g carbs, 28g fat, 4g fiber.
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