Name: Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 500 g penne or ziti; 2 tsp kosher salt for pasta 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/thickened cream; 1/3 cup vodka (or chicken stock for alcohol-free); 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 3/4 tsp kosher salt; Pinch black pepper; 50 g freshly grated parmesan, plus more for serving; 1/2 cup pasta cooking water; 2 tsp finely chopped parsley for serving (optional)

There’s something about a rich, velvety sauce hugging perfectly cooked penne that just hits the spot every time. This Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe is my go-to when I want something comforting yet a little special — you really can taste the depth the vodka adds without any of the boozy harshness.

A white bowl filled with creamy orange penne pasta coated in sauce, topped with finely shredded white cheese and small green herb pieces, along with a few red pepper flakes scattered on top. A silver fork stands inside the bowl on the right side. In the background, there is another white bowl with the same pasta, and a blurred bottle with blue and white label. The bowl sits on a beige cloth on a white marbled surface with a small block of cheese and a grater to the bottom right of the bowl. 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

This creamy vodka penne pasta recipe holds a special place in my weeknight cooking because it’s quick, indulgently creamy, and effortlessly pulls together with just a few simple ingredients. Every bite feels like you’ve been transported to a cozy Italian trattoria.

Simple but Sophisticated: This sauce feels luxe thanks to the vodka and parmesan, yet it’s just as easy as your classic tomato pasta.
Built-in Creaminess: Heavy cream blended with tomato paste creates a silky, luscious texture that clings to every pasta piece.
Customizable Heat Level: A pinch of chili flakes adds just the right kick, but it’s totally optional if you prefer mild.
Perfect Weeknight Meal: Ready in around 20 minutes, plus it reheats beautifully for next-day enjoyment.

The image shows a close-up of creamy orange pasta penne coated in smooth sauce, with layers of shredded cheese sprinkled on top, adding a soft, textured contrast. Small red chili flakes are scattered lightly across the pasta, adding tiny pops of dark red color. A silver spoon scoops some pasta from the right side, showing the sauce's thick and rich texture on the noodles. The dish sits on a white plate over a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe really comes from how these few ingredients harmonize. From the savory tomato paste to the richness of cream and the sharp, melting parmesan—each element brings balance and depth to your plate.

Flat lay of a small mound of uncooked penne pasta, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red tomato paste, a small white ceramic bowl of thick pale cream, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of clear vodka, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl of red chili flakes, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper, a small pile of finely diced white onion, two whole garlic cloves with papery skins intact, a small pile of finely chopped fresh green parsley leaves, and a small block of pale yellow parmesan cheese with a fine grater scraping a small heap of fluffy grated parmesan on a simple white ceramic plate, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, 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

Penne or Ziti: These tubular pastas catch the sauce perfectly, making every bite saucy and satisfying. I like rigatoni too, for an extra hearty chew.
Cooking Salt: Essential for seasoning the pasta water so the pasta itself isn’t bland.
Olive Oil: Used to gently sauté the onions and garlic without overpowering flavors.
Onion: Finely diced to melt seamlessly into the sauce, giving a subtle sweetness.
Garlic: Minced to flavor the sauce with that familiar punch—don’t skip it!
Tomato Paste: Provides a concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
Heavy Cream: This adds the signature creaminess; you can substitute with double cream or even single cream if needed.
Vodka: The secret ingredient that elevates the sauce’s complexity—use neutral gin or chicken broth if you prefer alcohol-free.
Red Pepper Flakes: A touch of heat that I adore, but feel free to leave out or adjust to taste.
Salt & Black Pepper: To season the sauce perfectly.
Freshly Grated Parmesan: Melts into the sauce for a nutty, cheesy finish—always fresh grated, never pre-shredded!
Pasta Cooking Water: Key for loosening the sauce and helping it cling beautifully to the pasta.
Parsley (Optional): Adds a fresh, herbaceous touch when sprinkled on top before serving.

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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

This Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe is so flexible—I love tweaking it depending on who I’m cooking for or what I have on hand. It’s easy to make it lighter, spice it up, or keep it kid-friendly.

Variation: For a vegetarian version, just swap the vodka for vegetable broth and skip any meat add-ins. I sometimes throw in sautéed mushrooms or spinach to bulk it up.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of dairy cream, and a vegan parmesan substitute to keep it rich but allergy-friendly.
Spicer Kick: If you’re like me and love a little heat, feel free to double the chili flakes or add a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky twist.

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

Step 1: Cook Pasta to Perfection

Fill a large pot with water, add a good pinch of salt (I use kosher salt for that clean seasoning), and bring to a rolling boil. Add your penne or ziti and cook until just al dente—don’t overcook because it’ll keep softening in the sauce. Just before draining, give the pasta a stir to agitate the starch, then scoop out about a cup of that starchy pasta cooking water; this is pasta magic that keeps your sauce silky and clingy!

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil over medium-high in a large pan or pot. Add finely diced onion and minced garlic, cooking just long enough to soften and get translucent but not browned—it’s important here for sweetness, not bitterness. Then stir in that robust tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, until it deepens in color—about 2 minutes. If you see it sticking or burning, lower your heat a bit to keep it mellow.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Vodka Sauce

Pour in the cream and stir well to melt the tomato paste into it—watch that gorgeous orange-pink color form. Add your chili flakes if you’re going for a bit of heat, then season with salt and black pepper. Next, pour in the vodka. I love how the vodka adds a subtle depth without making the sauce boozy. Let everything simmer gently on low for about 3 minutes to marry the flavors. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan until it melts smoothly, coating every spoonful in cheesy goodness. Then turn off the heat and get ready to combine.

Step 4: Toss and Emulsify

Add your drained pasta right into the sauce along with around half a cup of that reserved pasta cooking water. On medium heat, toss and stir the pasta for 1 to 1.5 minutes, letting the sauce thicken up and cling beautifully. If it looks too thick, add a splash more pasta water. This step is key—the starches help bind the sauce and pasta, making sure you get that silky texture we all crave.

Step 5: Serve It Right Away

Spoon the pasta into warmed bowls to keep it cozy and creamy longer—just 30 seconds in the microwave for each bowl does the trick. Top with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Top Tip

After making this Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really elevate the dish from “nice dinner” to “restaurant quality.” These small moves make all the difference when cooking in your own kitchen.

Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta water before draining—it’s a game-changer for sauce texture and cohesion.
Low and Slow Simmer: Keep the sauce on a gentle simmer after adding vodka to let the alcohol burn off properly while infusing flavor.
Fresh Parmesan Only: Grate your parmesan fresh with a microplane for the creamiest melt—pre-grated parmesan can make the sauce grainy.
Warm Your Bowls: It keeps the pasta warm longer, which is especially helpful for creamy sauces that can thicken up quickly.

How to Serve Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

My favorite garnish is a generous handful of freshly chopped parsley—it brightens the dish and adds a lovely fresh note against the rich sauce. Don’t forget extra parmesan on top for that perfect cheesy finish! Sometimes I also add a few basil leaves when I have them fresh.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, garlic bread is a classic choice—I love to slather it with herb butter and toast it until golden. A crisp Italian salad with olives, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic drizzle balances the richness beautifully. When I’m feeling extra indulgent, tiramisu for dessert makes the perfect end to this Italian-inspired feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served this pasta in deep, rustic bowls with microgreens sprinkled on top for elegance. Another fun idea is to plate the pasta alongside homemade garlic knots and a drizzle of chili oil for a pop of color and spice. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover creamy vodka penne pasta stores really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. The sauce thickens a bit, so you’ll want to loosen it with a splash of milk or water when reheating.

Freezing

I’ve found freezing creamy vodka pasta isn’t ideal—it can separate a bit when thawed. If you want to freeze, freeze the pasta and sauce separately and reheat gently to keep texture intact.

Reheating

To reheat, I use the stovetop on low heat with a splash of water or cream, stirring gently until warmed through. Microwave works too if you stir halfway and add a little liquid to bring back that creamy silkiness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Swap the vodka for chicken or vegetable broth. While the depth of flavor won’t be exactly the same, using broth still gives the sauce richness and complexity without any alcohol content. You can also use a splash of white wine if you prefer.

What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?

Penne and ziti are classic choices because their hollow shapes catch and hold the creamy sauce perfectly. Rigatoni with ridges is also fantastic for clinging sauce. Avoid very thin pastas like angel hair as they won’t carry the sauce as well.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge, but I recommend cooking and tossing the pasta fresh for best texture. The sauce reheats beautifully, so if you want a quicker meal, just reheat gently and add freshly cooked pasta at serving time.

How can I make this Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe spicier?

Add more red chili flakes or toss in a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to bring in extra heat. I usually start with half a teaspoon and adjust based on how spicy I want it. Fresh chili slices also work for a fiery kick!

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe will quickly become one of your favorite quick dinners because it’s easy, delicious, and just a little bit special. I still remember the first time I made it for friends—they couldn’t believe it came together so effortlessly but tasted like something from a fancy Italian kitchen. I’m excited for you to try it out, customize it your way, and enjoy every comforting, creamy bite as much as I do. Let me know how you go!