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
- 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
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 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.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and vodka to the pan, stirring to combine. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 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







