This creamy penne alla vodka is a rich and comforting pasta dish made completely from scratch. The sauce is smooth, slightly creamy and coats every piece of pasta with a warm tomato-based flavor. Finished with parmesan and herbs, this is a simple but satisfying meal that works well for dinner at home. This version is made using basic ingredients and a clear cooking process, making it easy to recreate in a home kitchen. For safe cooking and handling of dairy-based dishes, follow USDA food safety guidelines.
Why This Recipe Works
Penne alla vodka is known for its creamy tomato sauce with a smooth finish. Cooking the sauce slowly allows the flavors to blend, while adding cream at the end creates a rich texture. Using penne pasta helps hold the sauce inside each piece, so every bite is full of flavor. Parmesan cheese adds a savory finish and fresh herbs keep the dish balanced. Try this Skillet Breakfast Potatoes .
Ingredients
- ½ box penne pasta
- 3–4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 large shallot
- ⅓ lb prosciutto, sliced into small pieces
- 6 pieces basil (stem included)
- ½ tablespoon red chili peppers (optional)
- 4 garlic cloves
- 4 tablespoons vodka
- 1 (28 oz) can San Marzano peeled tomatoes
- ½ cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1.5 teaspoons sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parsley for garnish
How to Make Penne Alla Vodka
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until just tender. Drain and set aside. Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot and cook until soft. Add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Stir in the prosciutto and cook until lightly crisp. Add red chili peppers if using, along with basil. Pour in the vodka and let it simmer for a short time. Add the San Marzano tomatoes and gently break them down.
Let the sauce cook until slightly thickened. Stir in sugar, salt and pepper. Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, mixing until smooth and creamy. Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce and mix well. Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and evenly combined.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pasta warm, topped with chopped parsley and extra parmesan if desired. This dish works well on its own and doesn’t need much else on the side.
This creamy penne alla vodka is a classic home-style pasta made from scratch using simple ingredients. It’s rich, smooth and easy to make, making it a great option for everyday cooking.
At Krivia Recipes, the focus is on real food made at home with clear steps and dependable results.
