Creamy Penne alla Vodka is a comforting pasta dish that combines smooth tomato sauce, a splash of vodka, and rich cream. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner!
This dish is like a warm hug on a plate. I love how quick it is to whip up—just boil the pasta, stir the sauce, and dinner is served. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This dish shines best with penne, but you can easily switch to fusilli or rigatoni if that’s what you have. Just make sure the pasta is short and holds onto the sauce well.
Onion: I recommend using yellow onions for their sweetness when sautéed. If you’re looking to change it up, shallots or even leeks will work nicely too!
Vodka: Vodka adds depth to the sauce, but if you want to avoid it, you can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth. You might miss a bit of flavor complexity, but it’s a good alternative.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you could use half-and-half or even a plant-based cream if you’re aiming for a dairy-free dish. I find that heavy cream gives the best results when it comes to creaminess, though.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan takes this dish to the next level. If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a great substitute. Just keep in mind it has a stronger flavor than Parmesan.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta is Cooked Just Right?
Cooking pasta to the perfect texture, known as “al dente,” means it should still have a slight bite to it. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start with a large pot of boiling salted water. The salt helps season the pasta.
- Check the package instructions for cook time, but taste about one minute before the suggested time.
- Drain the pasta but reserve some pasta water. It can be useful later for adjusting the sauce’s consistency.
Don’t forget to toss the pasta in the sauce immediately—this helps the flavors meld together beautifully!
How to Make Creamy Penne alla Vodka
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 25 minutes to whip up this delicious creamy penne alla vodka. This includes about 10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Penne Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent. This will get those lovely flavors started!
3. Add the Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
4. Pour in the Vodka:
Now, it’s time to add the vodka. Carefully pour it into the skillet, letting it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This will help cook off the alcohol, leaving you with just the wonderful flavor!
5. Bring in the Saucy Goodness:
Next, add the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them) to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
6. Mix in the Pasta:
Take the cooked penne pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta with that creamy goodness. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and combines well; this will make your sauce super creamy!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve the creamy penne alla vodka in bowls. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese and some chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch. Dig in and enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is a classic choice, you can use other pasta types like rigatoni, fusilli, or spaghetti. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose to get it perfectly al dente!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a blend of milk and Greek yogurt. For a dairy-free alternative, try using coconut cream or a cashew cream. Just remember, these substitutes may slightly alter the creaminess and flavor profile of the dish.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of additional cream or milk if it seems too thick. Avoid microwaving it if possible, as it can separate the sauce.
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Yes! To make a vegan version, substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based cream (like coconut or almond cream), use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese, and replace any non-vegan ingredients like the pasta with a vegan-approved option. It will still be delicious!
