Name: Creamy Vodka Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 ounces penne pasta.; 1 tablespoon olive oil.; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter.; 2 cloves garlic, minced.; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes.; 1/4 cup vodka.; 14 ounces crushed tomatoes.; 1/2 cup heavy cream.; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated.; Salt and black pepper to taste.; 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped.

A close-up of penne pasta coated in a creamy orange sauce and garnished with chopped herbs in a black frying pan. | recipesbyclare.com

My vodka pasta combines rich cream tangy tomatoes and a hint of vodka into pure comfort. The velvety sauce wraps around each pasta bite creating something truly special. Simple ingredients transform into restaurant worthy indulgence.

Pure Magic

This sauce hits all the right notes creamy yet bright with vodka deepening those tomato flavors. It's simple to make but tastes like something from a fancy Italian restaurant. Perfect for date nights or when you want to treat yourself.

What You Need

Pasta: Twelve ounces penne catches sauce perfectly.
Tomatoes: One cup sauce makes the base.
Vodka: Quarter cup deepens flavors.
Cream: Three quarters cup pure richness.
Fresh Flavors: Garlic onion minced fine.
Olive Oil: Two spoons for cooking.
Parmesan: Fresh grated makes it special.

Perfect Pasta

Cook With Care: Boil pasta save some water it helps the sauce later.

A close-up view of a creamy, orange pasta dish with penne noodles garnished with green herbs in a black skillet. | recipesbyclare.com

Start Your Sauce

First Flavors: Cook garlic onion in oil until soft fragrant.
Build It Up: Add tomatoes vodka let them simmer together.

Make It Creamy

Add The Cream: Lower heat stir in cream watch it thicken.
Season Well: Salt pepper maybe chili flakes if you like heat.

Bring It Together

Final Touch: Toss pasta with sauce add pasta water if needed makes it silky.

Time To Eat

Serve it hot with fresh basil parmesan on top. Some garlic bread on the side crisp salad makes it a meal.

A creamy penne pasta dish garnished with chopped parsley in a skillet. | recipesbyclare.com

Mix It Up

Add grilled chicken shrimp even Italian sausage. Love vegetables? Try mushrooms spinach sweet peas. Extra chili flakes make it spicy.

Save Some For Later

Keeps three days in fridge freezes two months. Warm up slowly add splash of cream brings back the magic.

Quick Answers

No vodka? Use broth still tastes great. Half and half works too add butter keeps it rich.

Make It Perfect

Good vodka makes better sauce. Keep pasta al dente gives nice bite. Let vodka cook down balances flavors.

A close-up view of penne pasta coated in a creamy orange sauce, garnished with parsley, in a black frying pan. | recipesbyclare.com

Perfect Partners

A glass of crisp white wine makes it special. Sparkling water lemon works beautifully too.

Everyone Can Enjoy

Plant milk works for dairy free still creamy good. Gluten free pasta makes everyone happy.

Pure Love

This pasta brings comfort and luxury to your table. Simple ingredients careful cooking lots of love creates something truly special.

A creamy pasta dish with penne noodles garnished with chopped parsley in a skillet. | recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this without vodka?: Yes, substitute vodka with chicken or vegetable broth. While the flavor will be slightly different, it will still be delicious.
→ Why save pasta water?: The starchy pasta water helps thin the sauce if needed while helping it cling to the pasta better than plain water would.
→ Can I use a different pasta shape?: Rigatoni or spaghetti work well as alternatives to penne. Choose pasta shapes that will hold the creamy sauce well.
→ How do I know when the vodka has cooked off?: Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sharp alcohol smell dissipates. The vodka adds depth of flavor while the alcohol cooks away.
→ Can I make this ahead?: While best served fresh, you can make the sauce ahead and reheat gently. Add a splash of cream or pasta water when reheating if needed.

Creamy Vodka Pasta