Name: Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 500 g penne or ziti; 2 tsp kosher salt, for pasta cooking water; 1/2 cup+ reserved pasta cooking water; 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 small onion, finely diced; 2 garlic cloves, finely minced; 1/2 cup (140 g) tomato paste; 1 1/4 cups heavy cream; 1/3 cup vodka; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 3/4 tsp kosher salt; Pinch black pepper; 50 g freshly grated parmesan cheese; 2 tsp parsley, finely chopped (optional); Extra parmesan for dusting

There’s nothing quite like that rich, velvety sauce clinging to al dente pasta that makes dinner feel special and comforting. I’m excited to share my go-to Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe—it’s simple yet packed with flavor. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become a favorite weeknight indulgence in my kitchen.

Two white bowls filled with creamy orange penne pasta, each penne coated thickly in smooth sauce. The pasta in the front bowl is topped with a sprinkle of grated cheese, red pepper flakes, and small green herb pieces, with a spoon resting inside the bowl. The bowls sit on a soft beige cloth on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a blurred bottle with writing and part of a cheese block with a grater. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I fell in love with this Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe because it balances simplicity with restaurant-worthy finesse. It’s got that silky, tomato-infused creaminess with just a kiss of vodka that enhances rather than overpowers, making every bite unforgettable.

Rich & Luxurious: The heavy cream and parmesan create a sauce that’s silky smooth and indulgent without being heavy.
Quick & Easy: Ready in about 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights when you want something impressive but fuss-free.
Versatile Flavor: A touch of vodka amps up the flavor profile, giving depth without an alcoholic bite.
Comfort Food Classic: It’s ideal for cozy nights or when you want to impress friends with minimal effort.

A close-up view of creamy orange penne pasta covered in a thick sauce, with small red chili flakes sprinkled evenly across the surface. There is a layer of finely grated white cheese scattered on top, adding texture and contrast. A silver spoon scoop is partly submerged in the pasta, lifting a small pile of the noodles. The pasta shapes are smooth and tubular, with sauce coating each piece evenly. The dish is set against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe shines because of the thoughtful harmony in its ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—from balancing acidity to providing richness and just the right bite.

Flat lay of raw penne pasta, a small pile of finely diced half small onion, two whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant red tomato paste, a small white ceramic bowl of thick heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl with clear vodka, a small white ceramic bowl with bright red chili flakes, a small white ceramic bowl of kosher salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl with freshly ground black pepper, a small block of fresh pale yellow parmesan cheese, a small bunch of fresh green parsley sprigs, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Penne or Ziti: I like penne for its ridges that grab onto the sauce beautifully. Rigatoni is great too if you want a chunkier bite.
Cooking Salt: Don’t skimp here — salting your pasta water properly seasons the pasta itself, making a huge difference.
Olive Oil: Adds just a bit of fat to sauté the aromatics and build flavor gently.
Onion: Use a finely diced small onion for a subtle sweetness that melts into the sauce.
Garlic: Mince finely so it infuses without overpowering, giving that classic savory base.
Tomato Paste: This is the tomato “intensifier” that gives the sauce its rich color and depth.
Heavy Cream: My secret weapon for that dreamy, luscious texture that coats every noodle.
Vodka: Adds a complexity that lifts the tomato flavor without leaving an alcohol taste.
Red Pepper Flakes: Totally optional but I love the gentle hint of heat to contrast the creaminess.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for rounding out flavor—season gradually as you cook.
Freshly Grated Parmesan: Always freshly grated for the best melt and that salty bite—it makes or breaks the sauce consistency.
Pasta Cooking Water: This starchy liquid is pure magic, helping loosen the sauce and make it cling perfectly.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle at the end adds brightness and a pop of color.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this recipe depending on the mood and what I have on hand. Feel free to adjust the heat, swap the vodka for white wine, or even turn it into a veggie-packed dish. This pasta is a fantastic canvas.

Spicy Kick: I sometimes bump up the red pepper flakes when I’m craving a bit more heat—it gives a lovely contrast to the cream.
Alcohol-Free: Using chicken stock instead of vodka works well if you want to keep it family-friendly or alcohol-free.
Upgrade with Protein: Adding grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp turns it into a hearty main course that’s still elegant.
Fresh Herbs: Basil or oregano can swap in for parsley when I’m feeling extra herby.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Perfectly Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. I always add about 2 teaspoons of kosher salt—that's key for flavorful pasta. Cook your penne following package directions until just al dente; you want a little bite because it’ll soften a bit in the sauce later. Don’t forget to stir quite a bit to keep the pasta from sticking and to agitate the starch—this starch is your secret weapon for sauce texture. Before draining, scoop out a cup of the pasta water to keep handy.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic Just Right

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a wide pan over medium-high heat. Add your finely diced onion and minced garlic, then gently cook for about 1 ½ minutes until translucent and fragrant. Be sure not to brown the garlic, as that could give a bitter edge. The finely diced onion really melts into the sauce later—smaller cuts work better here.

Step 3: Build the Sauce with Tomato Paste and Cream

Next, stir in the tomato paste and keep it moving for 2 minutes until it darkens slightly—this cooking step tempers its sharpness and brings out deeper flavor. If the paste starts sticking, lower the heat—it should gently intensify, not burn. Then, slowly add the cream, whisking to dissolve the paste completely. This combination gives you that signature creamy texture and rosé-colored sauce.

Step 4: Add Vodka, Seasonings, and Simmer

Pour in the vodka, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Bring it to a low simmer and let it gently bubble for about 3 minutes. This step blends all the flavors and helps mellow the alcohol so you’re left with just a subtle warmth and tang. The sauce will thicken slightly and smell heavenly.

Step 5: Melt in Parmesan & Toss with Pasta

Turn off the heat, then stir in the freshly grated parmesan until melted and silky. Now add your drained pasta and about ½ cup of that reserved pasta water. Return to medium heat and toss everything for 1 to 1 ½ minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce clings perfectly and the pasta is beautifully coated. If it feels too thick, add more pasta water a splash at a time to loosen it just right.

Step 6: Serve Warm with Your Favorite Extras

Serve immediately in warmed bowls for that professional touch. I like to garnish with extra parmesan and finely chopped parsley for freshness. This is the moment your kitchen smells as good as your favorite Italian trattoria!

Top Tip

This Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe has a few nuances that took me some trial and error to perfect, so here are the tips that really make a difference! Following these will help you nail the ideal texture and flavor.

Don’t Skip Pasta Water: That starchy water is gold. It thins the sauce just enough and helps it cling like a dream, so scoop it before draining!
Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese just doesn’t melt the same. A fine microplane grater will give you the silkiest sauce texture.
Control Your Heat: Keep the tomato paste from burning by stirring constantly and lowering the heat if needed. This avoids bitterness.
Warm Your Bowls: It may seem small, but serving in warmed bowls keeps this creamy pasta hotter longer and keeps the sauce lush.

How to Serve Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I keep it classic: a generous dusting of freshly grated parmesan, a sprinkle of bright green parsley, and sometimes an extra pinch of red pepper flakes for those who like a little more heat. A drizzle of good quality olive oil right before serving can add a lovely finishing touch.

Side Dishes

For me, nothing beats a crisp Italian salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic vinaigrette alongside some crunchy garlic bread. If I’m feeling fancy, a simple caprese salad pairs perfectly too.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve hosted friends, I like to serve this pasta in individual hollowed-out tomatoes or mixed into a pasta bake topped with mozzarella for a bubbly crust. It makes a gorgeous centerpiece and adds some extra flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Because the sauce is thicker, it actually holds up better than most creamy pastas without getting watery.

Freezing

I haven’t had great luck freezing this recipe because the cream can separate when reheated. If you want to freeze, consider holding back on the cream and adding fresh cream when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave with a splash of pasta water or in a skillet over low heat. Stir often to bring back that smooth, creamy texture. Add extra parmesan or fresh herbs to freshen it up.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! You can substitute the vodka with chicken stock or vegetable broth. It won’t have the exact same depth, but it still tastes delicious and is entirely kid and alcohol-friendly.

What’s the best pasta to use for Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe?

Penne and ziti are the best since their hollow shapes and ridges hold the sauce really well. Rigatoni is also a great choice if you prefer bigger tubes. Avoid super smooth pastas as the sauce won’t cling as nicely.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance for this recipe?

You can make the vodka cream sauce ahead and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When reheating, warm gently and add a splash of pasta water to bring back its creamy texture before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.

Is low fat cream a good substitute in this recipe?

Yes! Low fat cream works surprisingly well because the tomato paste adds thickness and richness. The sauce might be slightly less indulgent but still creamy and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

Making this Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe is like bringing a little Italian trattoria magic to your own kitchen. It’s quick enough to whip up on a weekday but elegant enough to impress guests. Trust me, once you master it you’ll find yourself coming back again and again, pairing it with your favorite sides and making it completely your own. So grab that vodka (or broth!), get comfortable, and enjoy that first silky, satisfying forkful—it’s worth every minute.