Penne with Vodka Sauce (25 Minutes)

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Penne with rich and creamy vodka sauce is a fan favorite in my house. Made with tomatoes, heavy cream, and a splash of vodka this meal is easy to make and sure to impress. Pair with a side salad or crusty loaf of bread and you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table in under 30 minutes. 

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup vodka
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add the crushed tomatoes and vodka to the pan, stirring to combine. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes.
  4. Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve the penne pasta with the vodka sauce, garnished with chopped fresh basil if desired.

Notes

I typically cook the pasta al dente and use a good quality vodka for the sauce, as this will enhance the flavor. If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the onion and garlic mixture. The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for a quick meal. 

*The following nutritional information is based on estimates.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 609 calories
  • Sugar: 11g
  • Sodium: 514mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 85g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 16g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Pair this with...

Fresh Mixed Greens Salad

Start with a base of mixed greens, combining varieties like arugula, spinach, romaine, or any leafy greens you love. Slice up a handful of cherry tomatoes for a burst of juiciness. Next, peel and shave or thinly slice a carrot for a sweet and crunchy addition. Now, here's where you get to be creative. Raid your fridge for veggies – maybe some leftover bell peppers, slices of cucumber, or even some steamed broccoli or green beans. Toss them all into your salad. Drizzle with your favorite vinaigrette or dressing, give it a good mix, and you've got a vibrant, crunchy, and fresh salad that goes well with just about any meal.

Garlicky Sautéed Spinach

Begin with a generous bunch of fresh spinach, giving it a thorough rinse and patting it dry. In a large pan, heat a glug of olive oil until it's shimmering. Toss in finely chopped garlic — the more, the merrier for garlic lovers! Let the garlic sizzle just a bit, releasing its aromatic magic without letting it brown too much. Swiftly add in the spinach, watching as it wilts and soaks up that garlicky goodness. It'll reduce in size dramatically, but that's where the intense flavor comes in. Season with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, which brightens up the dish wonderfully. Serve it straight from the pan.

Garlic Knots

Start with some store-bought or homemade pizza dough for convenience. Roll it out on a floured surface and slice it into even strips. Take each strip and tie it into a simple knot, placing each one onto a baking sheet. Pop them into a preheated oven and let them bake until they're golden and slightly puffed. While they're doing their magic in the oven, melt some butter in a pan and sauté finely minced garlic until it's fragrant but not browned. Add a sprinkle of salt, parsley, and maybe even a dash of grated Parmesan cheese to this buttery concoction. Once the knots are out of the oven and still warm, generously brush them with your garlic butter mixture.

Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!