Name: Vodka Penne with Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 500g / 1 lb 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 (140g / 4.5 oz) tomato paste; 1 1/4 cups heavy cream (thickened cream/double 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; 50g / 1 loosely packed cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup+ pasta cooking water; 2 tsp parsley, finely chopped (optional for serving)

There’s just something about a rich, velvety sauce clinging to perfectly cooked pasta that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This Vodka Penne with Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe blends comforting creaminess and tangy tomato with a subtle hint of vodka, making it an absolute dinner-time favorite in my kitchen. You’re going to love how approachable yet special this dish feels!

Two white bowls filled with creamy orange penne pasta, each penne coated thickly in smooth sauce. The pasta in the front bowl is topped with a sprinkle of grated cheese, red pepper flakes, and small green herb pieces, with a spoon resting inside the bowl. The bowls sit on a soft beige cloth on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a blurred bottle with writing and part of a cheese block with a grater. 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 Vodka Penne with Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Vodka Penne with Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Vodka Penne with Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I never get tired of making this vodka penne. It’s one of those dishes that strikes the perfect balance between comforting and elegant. Plus, it comes together fairly quickly, which means you get a restaurant-worthy meal on the table without the fuss.

Simple ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your pantry, and they come together beautifully.
Creamy, tangy sauce: The marriage of tomato paste and cream is pure magic — luscious and satisfying.
Versatile flavor: Whether you add a little heat or keep it mild, it’s easy to tailor this dish to your taste buds.
Impresses without stress: It’s just fancy enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight.

A close-up view of creamy orange penne pasta covered in a thick sauce, with small red chili flakes sprinkled evenly across the surface. There is a layer of finely grated white cheese scattered on top, adding texture and contrast. A silver spoon scoop is partly submerged in the pasta, lifting a small pile of the noodles. The pasta shapes are smooth and tubular, with sauce coating each piece evenly. The dish is set against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this vodka penne recipe plays a key role — from building depth to creating that silky sauce you’ll want to dunk your bread into. I always recommend using good quality ingredients here because they really shine through.

Flat lay of raw penne pasta, a small pile of finely diced half small onion, two whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant red tomato paste, a small white ceramic bowl of thick heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl with clear vodka, a small white ceramic bowl with bright red chili flakes, a small white ceramic bowl of kosher salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl with freshly ground black pepper, a small block of fresh pale yellow parmesan cheese, a small bunch of fresh green parsley sprigs, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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 your preferred pasta): Holds onto the sauce perfectly, thanks to its tube shape.
Olive oil: Adds a gentle fruity base and helps sauté the aromatics nicely.
Onion & garlic: These build the fragrant foundation of the sauce when finely diced and minced.
Tomato paste: Brings a concentrated, rich tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy while balancing acidity.
Vodka: Adds complexity and helps marry the cream and tomato flavors elegantly.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle spicy kick if you like some heat.
Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer.
Freshly grated Parmesan: Melts into the sauce for a nutty, savory finishing touch.
Pasta cooking water: A secret weapon that helps loosen and emulsify the sauce perfectly.
Fresh parsley: A sprinkle for freshness and color at the end.

📝

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

One of the best things about this vodka penne is how easy it is to tweak and make it your own. I’ve played around with adding things like fresh basil or swapping out the vodka for chicken stock when cooking for kids or anyone avoiding alcohol. And trust me — it still turns out delicious either way!

Add protein: Sometimes I toss in grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier meal.
No alcohol version: Replace vodka with chicken stock — it still gives great depth without the booze.
Spice it up: If you like heat, I add extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a bold kick.
Herbs & greens: Fresh basil or spinach stirred in last-minute bring a lovely fresh note.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Vodka Penne with Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Get that pasta cooking perfectly

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil — lots of salt here is key because it flavors the pasta inside and out. Cook your penne until just shy of fully tender (al dente), following the packet instructions. Just before draining, stir well to release some starch, then reserve a cup of pasta water. This starchy water will be magic for your sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté your aromatics and build the sauce base

Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pan, then add finely diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 ½ minutes until translucent — you want them soft without browning. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly so it deepens to a richer red and doesn’t stick or burn.

Step 3: Cream, vodka, and seasonings create the magic

Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to mix with that tomato paste base — it will start looking silky and gorgeous. Add chili flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and vodka. Let it simmer gently for about 3 minutes, stirring regularly to marry flavors and cook off some of the alcohol. Finally, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Toss pasta with sauce and reserved water

Add your drained pasta right into the pan with the sauce, along with about half a cup of the reserved pasta water. Over medium heat, toss everything together, stirring for 1 to 1 ½ minutes until each penne is luxuriously coated. The pasta water’s starch will loosen the sauce just enough and help it cling beautifully.

Step 5: Serve promptly and enjoy

Serve immediately in warmed bowls (it really helps creamy sauces stay comforting longer). Add an extra dusting of Parmesan and sprinkle with parsley for freshness. Grab some crusty garlic bread and a fresh salad to round out the meal — trust me, it’s like having an Italian trattoria right at home!

Top Tip

I’ve made this vodka penne a dozen ways now, and a few tricks really take it from good to wow. These tips help keep the sauce luscious, the flavor balanced, and make sure you feel confident from start to finish.

Reserve pasta water: Don’t skip reserving that pasta water! It’s the secret to loosening the sauce without watering it down, thanks to the natural starch.
Use fresh Parmesan: Grate your own cheese fresh—pre-grated often contains starch and won’t melt properly, leaving a grainy sauce.
Cook tomato paste gently: Cooking the tomato paste helps deepen the flavor — stir constantly so it doesn’t burn and impart bitterness.
Warm your bowls: This small touch keeps the pasta creamy longer so you can savor every bite without the sauce congealing too fast.

How to Serve Vodka Penne with Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I personally love plating this with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and bright, finely chopped flat-leaf parsley. Sometimes I add a few torn basil leaves just before serving for that burst of herbal freshness that elevates the whole dish.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are classic: crispy garlic bread, a simple arugula or mixed greens salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, and for a real treat, a chilled Caprese salad on the side. If you want to go full trattoria, try Tiramisu for dessert — it rounds out the experience beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this vodka penne in individual shallow bowls, garnished with a sprig of fresh basil, a drizzle of good olive oil, and a couple of shards of Parmesan to make it feel extra fancy. I also like plating it alongside grilled shrimp or scallops for an elegant dinner that really impresses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this vodka penne keep surprisingly well in the fridge for up to 4 days. I store mine in an airtight container, and the sauce actually thickens up nicely overnight, making it even more indulgent the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this sauce separately (without pasta) with good results. Just thaw it gently in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove while cooking fresh pasta. The cream can sometimes separate if frozen with pasta, so keeping them separate works best.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, I warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water or milk to loosen the sauce back up. Stir frequently to avoid curdling, and you’ll have creamy, tasty pasta again in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Vodka Penne with Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! Replace the vodka with chicken stock or vegetable broth. It won’t have the exact depth vodka provides but is still delicious and suitable for kids or alcohol-free diets.

Is it necessary to use heavy cream in this Vodka Penne with Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe?

Heavy cream gives the sauce its signature richness and silkiness, but you can use lower-fat cream or single cream if needed. The tomato paste helps thicken the sauce, so it won’t feel too watery.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling when reheating leftovers?

Reheat the sauce gently over low to medium heat, stirring often. Adding a splash of pasta water or milk helps restore the creamy texture and prevents curdling. Avoid boiling once the cream is added.

Can I use a different type of pasta for the Vodka Penne with Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe?

Definitely! While penne or ziti are traditional because their shape holds sauce well, rigatoni or other tubular pasta work wonderfully too. Even fusilli or farfalle can be great options if that’s what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

This Vodka Penne with Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes I always come back to when I want a meal that’s both comforting and impressively tasty without hours in the kitchen. It’s a crowd-pleaser, easy to customize, and makes any day feel a little celebratory. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — you’re going to feel proud serving this one up!