Introduction
Penne alla Vodka is a classic Italian-American pasta dish that strikes the perfect balance between elegance and comfort. Its creamy tomato-based sauce, enriched with vodka, cream, and Parmesan, creates a luscious texture and flavor that clings beautifully to the ridges of penne pasta. The addition of fresh basil adds a fragrant, herbaceous note that brightens the richness of the dish.
This recipe became popular in the 1980s in Italian restaurants across the U.S., but its timeless flavor has kept it a favorite in kitchens worldwide. It’s an excellent dish for family dinners, date nights, or whenever you crave something creamy, flavorful, and satisfying.
Why I Love This Recipe ❤️
I absolutely love Penne alla Vodka with Fresh Basil because it’s a dish that feels both indulgent and refined. The sauce is silky and creamy, yet not too heavy, thanks to the tomato base. The vodka enhances the tomato flavor, giving the sauce a unique brightness you can’t quite achieve otherwise.
The penne pasta captures every drop of sauce, and the basil gives the perfect fresh contrast. It’s one of those recipes that tastes like something from a restaurant but is surprisingly easy to make at home.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Balanced flavors: creamy, tangy, savory, and slightly herby.
- Restaurant-quality at home: tastes luxurious but takes under 40 minutes.
- Crowd-pleaser: both kids and adults love it.
- Versatile: easily customized with chicken, shrimp, or veggies.
- Perfect for special occasions without requiring complicated techniques.
Recipe Information
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per Serving: ~550 kcal
Cuisine & Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Course: Main Course
Ingredients
For the Penne alla Vodka:
- 400g (14 oz) penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup vodka
- 1 can (400g / 14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn
For Garnish:
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Extra basil leaves
Simple Cooking Directions
- Cook penne until al dente.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes in oil and butter.
- Deglaze with vodka, then add crushed tomatoes.
- Stir in cream and Parmesan to make a creamy sauce.
- Toss pasta in sauce, garnish with basil, and serve.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook penne until al dente (about 10–11 minutes).
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce Base
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add Vodka
- Carefully pour in the vodka and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off.
4. Add Tomatoes and Cream
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and simmer for 8–10 minutes.
- Lower the heat, then stir in heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
5. Add Cheese and Pasta
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Add cooked penne and toss well to coat in sauce.
- If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
6. Finish with Fresh Basil
- Stir in fresh basil leaves just before serving.
How to Serve
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.
- For wine lovers: serve with a glass of Pinot Grigio or Chianti.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Use good-quality vodka—it enhances the flavor but doesn’t overpower.
- Always add basil at the end to preserve its freshness.
- Grate Parmesan fresh for the best melting texture.
- For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes.
Variations
- Chicken Penne alla Vodka: Add grilled chicken strips for protein.
- Shrimp alla Vodka: Toss in sautéed shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Vegetarian: Add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
- Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Freezing & Storage
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk.
- Freezing: Not ideal, as the cream sauce can separate. If necessary, freeze sauce (without pasta) for up to 1 month.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Large skillet (for sauce)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater
Conclusion
Penne alla Vodka with Fresh Basil is a dish that blends creamy indulgence with bold flavors, creating a meal that feels both comforting and elegant. The vodka-infused tomato cream sauce clings perfectly to penne pasta, while fresh basil adds a burst of brightness that elevates the dish.
It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests. With its creamy texture, rich taste, and aromatic finish, this recipe is a must-try for pasta lovers everywhere.
Penne alla Vodka with Fresh Basil
Description
Penne alla Vodka is a classic Italian-American pasta dish that strikes the perfect balance between elegance and comfort. Its creamy tomato-based sauce, enriched with vodka, cream, and Parmesan, creates a luscious texture and flavor that clings beautifully to the ridges of penne pasta.
Ingredients
For the Penne alla Vodka:
For Garnish:
Instructions
-
1. Cook the Pasta : Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.Cook penne until al dente (about 10–11 minutes).Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
-
2. Make the Sauce Base : Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.Add onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 1 minute.
-
3. Add Vodka : Carefully pour in the vodka and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off.
-
4. Add Tomatoes and Cream : Stir in crushed tomatoes and simmer for 8–10 minutes.Lower the heat, then stir in heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
-
5. Add Cheese and Pasta : Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.Add cooked penne and toss well to coat in sauce.If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
-
6. Finish with Fresh Basil : Stir in fresh basil leaves just before serving.
