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 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 (thickened or double cream); 1/3 cup vodka (or chicken stock for alcohol-free version); 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 3/4 tsp kosher salt; Pinch black pepper; 50 g freshly grated parmesan cheese (about 1 loosely packed cup); 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, plus more if needed; 2 tsp finely chopped parsley for serving (optional)

There’s something undeniably comforting about a rich, velvety sauce that hugs every piece of pasta — that’s exactly why this Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen. It’s simple, indulgent, and absolutely bursting with flavor, making weeknights feel a little more special.

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

I honestly feel like this dish combines the best of creamy, tangy, and just a whisper of heat. Every time I make it, family and friends ask for seconds — it’s that good. It’s straightforward but with enough depth to impress without stressing you out in the kitchen.

Rich and Velvety Sauce: The cream and tomato paste create a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to every penne tube.
Balanced Flavors: Vodka adds a subtle punch and depth without overwhelming your palate or tasting boozy.
Quick and Easy: Ready in about 20 minutes, this pasta feels fancy but takes little effort.
Perfect for Customization: You can tweak the spice, swap alcohol, or add proteins and veggies as you like!

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

Each ingredient in this Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe plays a crucial role in building that beautifully balanced sauce. The tomato paste gives a concentrated richness, while the cream softens it into something dreamy. And trust me, grabbing good-quality parmesan and fresh garlic makes all the difference!

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: I love rigatoni for this too — the ridges catch the sauce nicely, but any tubular pasta works for that perfect bite.
Cooking Salt: Season your pasta water well; it’s your first chance to add flavor right into the pasta itself.
Olive Oil: Adds a subtle fruity background and helps soften the onion and garlic without burning.
Onion: Finely diced is key here — you want it soft and almost melting into the sauce, not crunchy bits.
Garlic: Minced finely for a gentle but aromatic punch — fresh always beats jarred for this.
Tomato Paste: This concentrates the tomato flavor and sweetens the sauce naturally; double concentrate is fine if that’s what you have.
Thickened or Double Cream: Your sauce’s backbone; it tames the acidity while keeping the sauce indulgent.
Vodka: Essential for that unique zing — it opens up the tomato’s flavors and adds complexity. You can substitute chicken stock for alcohol-free versions.
Red Pepper Flakes: Totally optional, but I usually add just a pinch to give a subtle warmth without overt heat.
Salt & Black Pepper: Adjust to taste; these bring everything to life.
Fresh Parmesan: Go for finely grated from a block, not pre-grated — it melts beautifully and adds savory depth.
Pasta Cooking Water: This little trick helps loosen the sauce and makes it cling to the pasta beautifully thanks to its starch content.
Fresh Parsley: A fresh sprinkle on top makes the dish pop visually and adds a nice herbaceous note.

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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

I love making this creamy vodka penne pasta recipe my own by switching up spices or adding extras. Sometimes, I toss in sautéed mushrooms or crispy pancetta for a more robust flavor. Don’t hesitate to adjust it to your taste — this sauce loves creativity!

Vegetarian Version: Skip the vodka to keep it alcohol-free and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock if you sub the alcohol.
Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or shrimp on top for a hearty meal that’s still rich and comforting.
Extra Veggies: Throw in baby spinach or peas near the end to add freshness and color—great for sneaking in greens!
Spice It Up: If you like heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a little kick.

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

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your penne or ziti according to the package instructions — aiming for al dente is key here. Just before draining, stir the pasta well and scoop out a cup of the starchy cooking water; this magic liquid will help your sauce cling to the pasta.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 1.5 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Keep stirring so nothing browns too quickly — you want soft, gentle flavors to build your sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Tomato Paste Like a Pro

Stir in the tomato paste and cook it for about 2 minutes, lowering the heat if you notice it sticking to the pan. This step deepens the flavor and adds a reddish hue that makes the sauce look irresistible.

Step 4: Mix in Cream, Vodka, and Seasonings

Pour in the cream and stir well to blend with the tomato paste. Then add the red pepper flakes if you’re using them, salt, pepper, and the vodka. Lower the heat and let everything gently simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Toss the Pasta

Turn off the heat and stir in the finely grated parmesan until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Then add the drained pasta and half a cup of reserved pasta water back into the pan. Return to medium heat, tossing and stirring for 1 to 1.5 minutes so the sauce thickens and coats every penne.

Step 6: Serve it Warm and Gorgeous

Dish up the pasta into warmed bowls and sprinkle extra parmesan and a pinch of fresh parsley on top. I like to serve it alongside garlic bread and a leafy Italian salad to round out the meal perfectly.

Top Tip

From my many times making this creamy vodka penne pasta recipe, a few tricks help make it shine every time. This sauce is delicate but forgiving once you get the basics right, so don’t rush the simmer step and keep an eye on seasoning!

Use Fresh Parmesan: Finely grate from a block with a microplane for creamy melt-in-your-mouth texture — pre-grated won’t give the same silky smooth sauce.
Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: That starchy water is magic — it loosens the sauce and helps it cling better to your pasta.
Simmer Gently: Let the sauce bloom and thicken on low heat rather than rushing it with high heat — this balances the flavors beautifully.
Warm Your Bowls: It really does keep the pasta warm longer — trust me, it feels like dining out at home!

How to Serve Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my pasta with an extra dusting of freshly grated parmesan and a sprinkle of finely chopped flat-leaf parsley for color and fresh flavor. Sometimes, a drizzle of good olive oil or a few basil leaves can add a lovely finishing touch too!

Side Dishes

My favorite sides with this creamy vodka penne pasta recipe are crusty garlic bread to soak up the sauce and a crisp Italian salad filled with peppery arugula, cherry tomatoes, and shaved parmesan. A light glass of white wine complements it beautifully for a cozy evening.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more elegant vibe, I sometimes serve this pasta in individual casserole dishes, top each with broiled parmesan crumbs, or garnish with edible flowers for a stunning dinner party centerpiece. The rust-colored sauce looks gorgeous against white or deep green plates too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This creamy vodka penne pasta stores really well in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Since the sauce is thicker than usual, it holds up nicely without getting watery or separating, which is a huge win for leftover lovers like me.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftovers a few times and found it's best to freeze the pasta and sauce separately if possible, especially if you add fresh herbs or delicate garnishes. This keeps the texture fresher when thawed. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

When reheating, I recommend warming it gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce. Give it a good stir halfway through to avoid drying out and bring it back to that silky texture you love.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this creamy vodka penne pasta recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! You can substitute the vodka with an equal amount of chicken or vegetable stock. While it won’t have the exact depth vodka gives, it will still be delicious and flavorful. Just simmer the sauce a little longer to deepen the flavors.

What type of cream works best in this recipe?

Heavy or thickened cream gives the creamiest texture and richest flavor. That said, I’ve used low-fat cream or single cream with good results—the tomato paste and parmesan help thicken the sauce well.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Make sure to keep the sauce gently simmering rather than boiling. Stir in the cream gradually and add the parmesan off heat to avoid curdling. Using some reserved pasta water helps emulsify and keep the sauce smooth.

Can this pasta be made ahead for a party?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce and pasta separately ahead of time. Reheat gently and toss together just before serving. Serving in warmed bowls helps keep it hot longer, which is perfect for entertaining.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe holds a special spot in my recipe collection because it feels like a comforting hug on a plate—simple but elegant. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do because it’s an easy way to bring a touch of trattoria magic to your home table. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!