Name: Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 500g / 1 lb penne or ziti (rigatoni is also a favorite, or any other pasta); 2 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt (for pasta cooking water); 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 small onion, finely diced (smaller dice than usual is better); 2 garlic cloves, finely minced; 1/2 cup (140g / 4.5 oz) tomato paste (UK: tomato puree); 1 1/4 cups heavy / thickened cream (UK: double cream); 1/3 cup vodka (or chicken stock/broth for alcohol free option); 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (chilli flakes), 100% optional; 3/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt (halve if using table salt); Pinch black pepper; 50g / 1 loosely packed cup freshly grated parmesan, plus more for serving; 1/2 cup+ pasta cooking water (reserved from cooking pasta); 2 tsp parsley, finely chopped (optional)

If you’re craving a pasta dish that’s rich, comforting, and just a little bit fancy, you’re going to love this Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that somehow hits all the right notes—silky cream, a tangy tomato punch, and this subtle warmth from vodka that doesn’t overpower but adds a lovely depth. When I first tried this, I couldn’t believe how easy and quick it was to make, yet it felt restaurant-quality. Trust me, stick around because once you make this, it’ll be on repeat in your kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and a whole tub of tomato paste—no waste, no fuss.
Balanced Flavor: The vodka adds depth and subtle floral notes without tasting boozy.
Quick & Easy: Ready in about 20 minutes, perfect for weeknights or when you want something impressive fast.
Family Favorite: My family literally goes crazy for this creamy, cheesy goodness every time.

A white bowl filled with cooked penne pasta covered in an orange creamy sauce. The pasta is arranged in one thick layer, with a silver spoon lifting some pasta from the bottom left side. On top of the pasta, there is a small pile of white grated cheese sprinkled with tiny bits of red pepper flakes and a few green herb specks. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a folded beige cloth in the bottom right corner and a fork and small stack of white bowls blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta, creamy vodka pasta, easy penne pasta recipe, homemade vodka penne, rich pasta dishes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe lies in its simple, well-chosen ingredients that blend beautifully. I always opt for quality tomato paste because it’s the flavor backbone, and fresh parmesan makes a big difference in creaminess and taste.

Flat lay of a small pile of uncooked penne pasta, two whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, half a small onion diced finely in a white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl of bright red tomato paste, a small white bowl of thick heavy cream, a small white bowl with clear vodka, a tiny heap of red pepper flakes on the side, a small white bowl filled with golden olive oil, a small white bowl containing kosher salt crystals, a few whole black peppercorns scattered neatly, a small mound of freshly grated parmesan cheese loosely piled on a white ceramic plate, a few fresh sprigs of bright green parsley placed delicately on the side, all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions placed 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 - Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta, creamy vodka pasta, easy penne pasta recipe, homemade vodka penne, rich pasta dishes

Penne or ziti: Rigatoni works great too; the ridges hold the sauce beautifully.
Cooking salt: Use kosher salt for pasta water to season it just right.
Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps cook aromatics gently.
Small onion: Finely diced—smaller pieces blend into the sauce better.
Garlic cloves: Fresh and finely minced for that aromatic punch.
Tomato paste: The concentrated tomato flavor is key—cooking it off removes sourness.
Heavy cream (or double cream): Gives that luscious, creamy texture everyone loves.
Vodka: Brings that subtle warmth and boosts flavor; for alcohol-free, chicken stock is a good swap.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Just a pinch adds a nice gentle heat if you’re into that.
Black pepper & salt: To taste, balancing out the rich sauce.
Freshly grated parmesan: Use good quality; it melts into the sauce and adds umami.
Pasta cooking water: The secret to a silky sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta.
Fresh parsley: For a fresh herbal finish but totally optional.

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.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on what I have in the fridge or how much time I have. It’s forgiving and flexible, which means you can easily make it your own.

Add Protein: When I want heartier meals, I toss in cooked chicken or crispy pancetta, and it elevates the dish instantly.
Make it Vegetarian: Swap vodka for vegetable broth and add mushrooms or roasted veggies for extra flavor.
Kick up the Heat: I sometimes double the red pepper flakes or add a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream or cashew cream and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a plant-based spin.

How to Make Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the pasta just right

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, salt it generously (I use about 2 teaspoons of kosher salt). Add your penne or ziti and cook until just shy of al dente—it’ll finish cooking in the sauce without turning mushy. Reserve at least half a cup of the pasta water before draining; this starchy water is a game-changer for your sauce’s texture.

Step 2: Sauté the aromatics and tomato paste

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely diced onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Then stir in the tomato paste and cook it off for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. This step helps mellow out the acidity and brings a deeper, richer flavor to the sauce.

Step 3: Deglaze with vodka and add cream

Pour in the vodka and cook for about 2-3 minutes to let the alcohol cook off. The sauce will smell amazing! Then lower heat and stir in the heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce thicken slightly, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Combine pasta and finish the sauce

Add your drained pasta to the sauce along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything to combine—the pasta water helps loosen the sauce so it clings beautifully without being heavy. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese off the heat to keep it silky. Adjust seasoning to taste and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you have it on hand.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe

Reserve Pasta Water: I can’t stress this enough—adding a little pasta water at the end brings your sauce to life and keeps it silky.
Cook Tomato Paste Well: Cooking off the paste until slightly darkened cuts any raw taste, making your sauce taste richer and sweeter.
Don’t Boil After Adding Cream: Keep the heat gentle when the cream goes in to avoid curdling or separating.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated gives you a creamy melt and the perfect umami boost—pre-grated just doesn’t compare.

How to Serve Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe

A white bowl filled with penne pasta covered in a thick, smooth orange sauce. The pasta is topped with finely grated white cheese and small green herb pieces, with scattered red pepper flakes adding contrast. A silver spoon is placed inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl sits on a light beige cloth on a white marbled surface, with a second bowl of the same pasta slightly blurred in the background and a block of cheese with a metal grater on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta, creamy vodka pasta, easy penne pasta recipe, homemade vodka penne, rich pasta dishes

Garnishes

I love topping this pasta with a generous handful of freshly chopped parsley—it adds a fresh pop of color and brightness. More parmesan on top is always a winner. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of good olive oil or a few torn basil leaves also work wonders.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. Roasted or steamed veggies like asparagus or green beans make a nice fresh contrast too.

Creative Ways to Present

For date nights or special occasions, I like serving this in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of red chili flakes, chopped pistachios, and a sprig of basil on top—makes it feel extra special without any fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers hold up really well in the fridge, just pop them in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. I find the sauce thickens overnight, so adding a splash of cream or water when reheating helps bring back that perfect creaminess.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta before, but because of the cream, the texture changes a bit after thawing. If you want to freeze, freeze the pasta and sauce separately if possible. When reheating, thaw in the fridge overnight and gently warm, stirring frequently.

Reheating

I usually reheat it gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or cream to loosen the sauce and keep it velvety. Microwave works fine too—just zap in short bursts and stir to avoid hotspots.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! If you prefer to skip the alcohol, you can substitute vodka with chicken or vegetable broth. While you won’t get the unique depth vodka adds, the sauce will still be deliciously creamy and flavorful.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Penne and ziti are the classics since their tubular shape holds the creamy sauce well. Rigatoni’s ridges make it another favorite, but really, any pasta shape that can catch sauce will work nicely.
How do I avoid the cream sauce from curdling?

To prevent curdling, add cream while the sauce is simmering gently, not boiling. Keep the heat moderate and stir often. Also, remove the pan from direct heat when stirring in parmesan to keep the sauce smooth.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the pasta and sauce separately a day ahead and combine before serving. Just reheat gently and add a splash of cream or pasta water to refresh the texture.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe has become one of my absolute staples when I want a meal that’s both comforting and a little indulgent. I love how it takes just about 20 minutes from start to finish but delivers so much flavor and that silky texture that makes you smile with every bite. If you haven’t tried this yet, I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a go—you’ll find it quickly becomes a favorite in your rotation, just like it did for me and my family.