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 pasta; 2 tsp kosher salt for 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; 1/2 cup pasta cooking water; 2 tsp finely chopped parsley (optional); Extra grated parmesan for garnish

There’s something incredibly comforting about a rich, velvety pasta that hits all the right notes – creamy, tangy, just a bit spicy, and with that subtle warmth vodka lends. That’s exactly why the Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen whenever I want a fuss-free yet impressive meal. It’s a total crowd-pleaser and surprisingly simple to whip up!

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

I adore this Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe because it strikes that perfect balance between indulgent and approachable. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a last-minute gathering, this dish always feels like a special treat without using fancy ingredients or techniques.

Simple ingredients: You only need pantry staples and a few fresh basics to create tons of flavor.
Quick to make: From start to finish in about 20 minutes, perfect for busy days.
Customizable: Want more spice, or less cream? It adapts easily without losing anything important.
Restaurant-worthy taste: That luscious tomato-cream sauce with a vodka kick feels just like dining out.

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

Each ingredient in this Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe has a key job – from building the sauce’s rich texture to balancing flavors perfectly. Here’s a quick rundown to help you shop wisely and understand how these elements play together.

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 pasta: Holds sauce beautifully with its ridged surface, capturing all that creamy goodness.
Cooking salt: Essential for perfectly seasoned pasta and to bring out all flavors.
Olive oil: Adds a silky start for sautéing and deepens flavor.
Onion: Gives a sweet, aromatic base when finely diced.
Garlic: Its pungent warmth complements the tomato and cream.
Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens and enriches the sauce.
Heavy cream: Creates that luscious, velvety texture crucial for the sauce’s signature richness.
Vodka: Adds a subtle sharpness and depth without tasting alcoholic – a game changer!
Red pepper flakes: Optional heat that can really brighten the flavor if you’re into a little spice.
Salt & black pepper: For seasoning and balance.
Freshly grated parmesan: Melts smoothly, giving cheesiness and umami to the sauce.
Pasta cooking water: Key secret weapon that helps emulsify the sauce for clinging perfection.
Parsley: A fresh, herbal finish to brighten the whole dish.

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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

One of the absolute joys of this Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often tweak the spice level or swap in what I have on hand — it rarely disappoints!

Variation: When I’m cooking for my family and want to skip alcohol, I replace vodka with chicken stock and simmer a bit longer – still rich and delightful.
Seasonal tweak: Adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted cherry tomatoes ups the texture and flavor when veggies are in season.
Make it lighter: I’ve swapped heavy cream for single cream or half-and-half before, and while it’s a bit less thick, it still tastes fantastic.
Spice it up: Crushed red pepper or even a sprinkle of cayenne can transform the sauce with just a pinch of heat.

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

Step 1: Cook your pasta just right

Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water – the salt is crucial for seasoned pasta. Cook your penne until it’s al dente, so there’s still a satisfying bite. Just before draining, stir the pasta well to release starch, then scoop out a cup of that starchy pasta water. That liquid gold will help your sauce cling like a dream later on. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant

Heat olive oil over medium-high in a big pan or pot. I finely dice the onion smaller than usual here to melt it almost invisibly into the sauce, and mince the garlic well. Cook both for about 1½ minutes until translucent and aromatic, being careful not to brown the garlic – burnt garlic can turn bitter, and you want just sweet softness at this stage.

Step 3: Build the sauce with tomato paste and cream

Next, add your tomato paste and stir constantly over medium heat for about 2 minutes. You’ll notice it deepens in color and sweetens. Keep an eye so it doesn’t catch on the pan. Then pour in the cream and stir well to dissolve the paste completely. This is the moment the magic happens – creamy, tangy, and rich, all coming together beautifully.

Step 4: Add vodka, seasoning, and simmer

Now, pour in the vodka along with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 3 minutes, stirring regularly. The vodka adds depth without overwhelming the flavor and the sauce thickens as it cooks. Feel free to taste and adjust seasoning here – it’s your moment to make it perfect.

Step 5: Stir in parmesan and finish tossing

Turn off the heat and stir in freshly grated parmesan until it melts smoothly into the sauce. When your pasta is ready, add it to the pan along with about ½ cup of that reserved pasta water. Stir over medium heat for 1 to 1½ minutes until the pasta is evenly coated in the luscious, rust-colored sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a touch more pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 6: Serve immediately with your favorite extras

Dish into warmed bowls for that extra cozy touch, finishing with a sprinkle of more parmesan and a scattering of fresh parsley. This is best enjoyed with a crunchy side like garlic bread and a refreshing salad to balance the richness. Trust me, the combination is unforgettable!

Top Tip

From my experience making this Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe many times, a few tricks really elevate the final dish and save you from common pitfalls.

Reserve enough pasta water: This starch-rich liquid is the key to your sauce's silky texture – don’t skip it or you’ll end up with clumpy or runny sauce.
Use freshly grated parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly, leaving your sauce grainy.
Don’t overcook the onions and garlic: Aim for translucent, not browned – this keeps flavors sweet and gentle without bitterness.
Simmer the vodka enough: Let it cook for the full 3 minutes; this reduces the harsh alcohol bite and deepens flavor without leaving a boozy taste.

How to Serve Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a fan of the classic topping combo here: a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and a little chopped parsley. The parsley adds a fresh pop of color and brightness that really lightens up the creamy sauce. Sometimes I’ll add a few basil leaves if I’m feeling fancy, or even a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil for a bit of indulgence.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are garlic bread, all buttery and crisp, and a simple Italian-style green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Roasted vegetables or even a bowl of marinated olives work wonders too — just some fresh, crunchy contrast to balance the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this pasta in individual shallow bowls, topped with a sprig of fresh herbs, a twist of black pepper right at the table, and a little parmesan “snow.” It’s simple but elevates the vibe instantly. You can even bake it briefly with mozzarella on top for a bubbly finish that’s a crowd favorite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This pasta actually keeps really well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. I store leftovers in an airtight container, and the sauce tends to thicken overnight – a sign it’s packed with flavor! When ready to eat, just loosen it up with a splash of water or cream before reheating.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this dish because cream-based sauces can separate, but if you must, freeze the cooked pasta and sauce separately. The vodka sauce freezes better without the pasta – thaw and gently reheat the sauce on low before mixing with freshly cooked pasta.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of pasta water or cream to bring back that creamy texture. Stir often to prevent sticking and keep the sauce smooth. This helps you enjoy leftovers almost as good as fresh!

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Simply swap the vodka for chicken stock or broth and simmer a little longer to build flavor without the alcohol. It won’t have the exact same depth but is delicious and family-friendly.

What type of cream should I use in this recipe?

Whole heavy cream or double cream works best for a velvety texture. Low fat creams can be used but the sauce will be thinner. Parmesan and pasta water help thicken the sauce regardless.

How can I avoid grainy sauce when making Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe?

The key is freshly grated parmesan cheese using a fine grater. Avoid pre-grated cheese with anti-caking agents that don’t melt well. Also, stir cheese in off the heat to prevent it from clumping.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce and pasta separately, then combine and reheat when ready. Store in airtight containers and use within 3–4 days for best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe has truly earned a spot as a comforting classic in my kitchen. It’s that perfect balance of ease, flavor, and a little bit of wow-factor that keeps me coming back. I hope when you try it out, it becomes your go-to for busy nights or when you want to impress with minimal fuss. Honestly, it feels like sharing a little Italian soul food — just with a cozy, creamy twist.