Dinner

Penne alla Vodka

Name: Penne alla Vodka
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb penne pasta; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup vodka; 1 can (28 oz) crushed San Marzano tomatoes; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tbsp fresh basil, torn; 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

A silky, luxurious pasta where vodka amplifies the tomato flavor and cream mellows the acid into pure comfort. This is the dish that tastes like a restaurant but takes 20 minutes.

712calper serving 21gprotein 101gcarbs 22gfat 10min prep 20min cook 4serves

✓ Macros from a nutrition database · per serving · developed by The Delicious Kitchen with AI assistance, not independently kitchen-tested · how we calculate this

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Penne alla Vodka — common questions

Can I make this ahead?

Make the sauce up to 24 hours ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water to loosen it, then toss with freshly cooked pasta.

What if I don't have vodka?

You can substitute dry white wine or skip it entirely, though the sauce will lack the subtle depth vodka provides; if omitting, simmer the tomatoes slightly longer (10–12 minutes) to concentrate flavor.

Why is my sauce separating or looks curdled?

This happens when cream is added to boiling tomato sauce or heated too high after addition. Add cream with heat at medium-low, stir gently for 1 minute, and never let it boil once combined.

Can I use canned diced tomatoes instead of crushed?

Crushed tomatoes are better because they cook down into a silkier sauce, but diced will work if you crush them by hand before adding or simmer the sauce 2 minutes longer.

What should I serve with this?

A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette and crusty bread to soak up the sauce are all you need; avoid heavy sides since the sauce is rich.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Keep pasta and sauce refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of pasta water or cream to restore the silky consistency.