If you’re craving a pasta dish that’s creamy, comforting, and just a little bit fancy, you’re going to love this Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe. This recipe hits all the right notes—rich tomato flavor, a silky, smooth sauce, and a hint of vodka that just deepens everything without being overpowering. I absolutely love how this turns out every time, and the best part? It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but still impressive enough when friends drop by. Let me walk you through it so you can get that perfect plate on your table tonight!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unbelievably Creamy: The heavy cream mixed with the cheese gives this dish a velvety texture that’s seriously indulgent.
Packed with Flavor: Cooking the tomato paste before adding cream amps up the tomato richness and cuts sourness perfectly.
Simple Ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find stuff here—just pantry staples you probably already have.
Quick & Crowd-Pleasing: Ready in about 20 minutes and perfect to feed a small group or save for leftovers.

A white bowl filled with about two layers of penne pasta coated in an orange creamy sauce, with the pasta arranged neatly inside the bowl. The top layer is sprinkled with small bits of grated white cheese, tiny pieces of red flakes, and a few small green herb leaves. A silver spoon is placed resting inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl sits on a beige cloth with a white marbled surface below. In the blurred background, another bowl with the same pasta is visible, along with a partial view of a white bottle with blue and red writing. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta, creamy vodka pasta recipe, penne pasta with vodka sauce, easy vodka pasta dish, comforting pasta recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe is how a handful of simple ingredients come together to create something surprisingly special. When you get the fresh parmesan and use good-quality tomato paste, you really elevate the dish.

Flat lay of a small pile of uncooked penne pasta, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of vibrant red tomato paste, a small white ceramic bowl of thick creamy double cream, a small white ceramic bowl of clear vodka, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of crushed red pepper flakes, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper, a few garlic cloves with papery skins, a small white ceramic bowl of finely diced white onion, a small white ceramic bowl of finely chopped fresh parsley, a small white ceramic bowl holding a loosely packed cup of freshly grated pale yellow parmesan cheese 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 - Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta, creamy vodka pasta recipe, penne pasta with vodka sauce, easy vodka pasta dish, comforting pasta recipes

Penne or ziti pasta: Rigatoni works great too; choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well.
Salt: Use kosher or cooking salt for pasta water—this seasons the pasta properly from the inside out.
Olive oil: Adds depth when sautéing onion and garlic—extra virgin is best for flavor.
Small onion: Finely diced to melt seamlessly into the sauce, no big chunks!
Garlic cloves: Minced finely to infuse that classic subtle garlic flavor.
Tomato paste: The star ingredient! Cooking it develops a sweeter, richer taste than just stirring it in.
Heavy cream (or double cream): Create the luxurious base of your sauce with this.
Vodka: Adds a subtle floral note and balances the tomatoes beautifully; swap for chicken broth for alcohol-free.
Red pepper flakes: Optional, for a little kick if you like a touch of heat.
Black pepper: Freshly cracked works best for seasoning.
Freshly grated parmesan: The cheese adds saltiness and umami to finish it off.
Pasta cooking water: Essential for loosening the sauce and helping it stick to the noodles.
Fresh parsley: For a bright, fresh garnish that cuts through the richness (optional but recommended).

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.

Variations

One of the things I appreciate about this Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to tweak so it suits your taste or dietary needs. I sometimes throw in extras or swap some ingredients depending on what I have in the fridge.

Add Veggies: I love adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers for extra texture and flavor.
Make it Vegetarian or Alcohol-Free: Simply swap the vodka for chicken broth (or veggie broth) and keep it meatless and family-friendly.
Spicy Twist: If you want to kick it up, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot paprika.
Protein Boost: Grilled chicken or shrimp make a great addition if you want a heartier meal.

How to Make Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta until Al Dente

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil—don’t be shy with the salt here because it’s your first chance to season the pasta itself. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until just al dente. You want a little bite left because it’s going to finish cooking in the sauce. Before draining, scoop out and reserve a half cup or more of the starchy pasta cooking water. This liquid is pure magic when it comes to loosening and binding your sauce to the pasta.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic for a Flavor Base

While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet or saucepan. Toss in the finely diced onion and cook slowly until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. I learned that smaller dices create a seamless sauce texture without unexpected onion bursts. Then add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds or until fragrant—don’t let it brown or you’ll get bitterness.

Step 3: Cook the Tomato Paste and Add Vodka

This step is where the magic starts. Stir in the tomato paste and cook it for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. This caramelizes the paste slightly and deepens the tomato flavor, which I promise makes a huge difference. Then carefully add the vodka—it should sizzle when it hits the hot pan. Let it reduce for a couple of minutes to burn off most of the alcohol while intensifying flavor. If you prefer alcohol-free, chicken stock works as a great swap here.

Step 4: Stir in Cream and Seasonings

Slowly pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Add red pepper flakes if you want a subtle heat, along with salt and a pinch of black pepper to taste. Let this simmer gently—no need to boil—until the sauce thickens slightly. This will only take a few minutes; watch closely and adjust seasoning before moving on.

Step 5: Combine Pasta, Cheese, and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta directly to the sauce pan with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together over low heat, letting the sauce coat each piece beautifully. Then stir in the freshly grated parmesan—this thickens the sauce more and adds that irresistible, salty richness. If the sauce feels too thick, add a little more pasta water to get to your desired consistency.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Serve right away with more parmesan on the side and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, which adds a lovely burst of color and freshness. I’ve found that parsley really brightens this creamy, indulgent dish and balances the flavors.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe

Cook Paste Slowly: Cooking the tomato paste longer unlocks richer, sweeter flavors—don’t rush this step.
Reserve Pasta Water: That starchy water helps to loosen and smooth out the sauce perfectly.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts beautifully into the sauce, giving it that authentic creamy texture.
Avoid Overheating Cream: Simmer gently to prevent curdling or separating—keep the sauce smooth and silky.

How to Serve Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe

A white bowl filled with a single layer of penne pasta coated in a creamy orange sauce, with a small pile of shredded white cheese sprinkled in the center and a few red pepper flakes scattered on top; a silver spoon is partially stirring the pasta on the left side of the bowl, all set on a white marbled surface with a blurred drink bottle in the background, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta, creamy vodka pasta recipe, penne pasta with vodka sauce, easy vodka pasta dish, comforting pasta recipes

Garnishes

I usually top it with a generous handful of freshly grated parmesan and sprinkle on some finely chopped parsley for freshness and color. Sometimes I add a few extra red pepper flakes if we’re in the mood for a touch of heat. A drizzle of good olive oil at the end can be divine too!

Side Dishes

Since the pasta is rich, I like to balance it with simple sides like a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables. Garlic bread or a slice of warm focaccia never fails to complete the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this pasta in beautiful shallow bowls with parsley arranged neatly on top and parmesan shards laid over to add texture. You can also plate it with a side of grilled shrimp or scallops nestled next to the pasta for an elegant touch that impresses every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I typically store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge—just make sure it cools before sealing to avoid water condensation that might affect sauce texture. It keeps well for 2-3 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta a couple of times with decent results. To freeze, cool completely and pack in freezer-safe containers. When thawed, the texture changes slightly, so I recommend reheating gently and stirring in a splash of cream or milk to bring back creaminess.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding reserved or fresh pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed. Microwaving works too—just stir halfway and add a bit of cream or water to maintain that luscious texture without drying out.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! You can swap the vodka for chicken or vegetable broth to keep the dish alcohol-free. The vodka adds a unique depth and aroma, but the sauce will still be delicious and creamy without it.
Which pasta works best for this recipe?

Penne and ziti are classic choices because their ridges and hollows hold the sauce perfectly. Rigatoni is another favorite of mine. Avoid very thin pastas like angel hair, as the sauce won’t cling as well.
How can I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?

Keep the heat low to medium and avoid boiling the cream once added. Stir gently and frequently so the sauce heats evenly without separating.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce ahead and keep it refrigerated separately from the pasta. When ready to serve, reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta for the best texture.
How spicy is this pasta with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth—not wildfire heat—making the flavors pop without overwhelming the creaminess. You can always omit or adjust the amount to your preference.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Vodka Penne Pasta Recipe has really earned a special place in my regular dinner rotation. It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent but comes together so quickly, and I love how forgiving it is if you tweak ingredients here and there. I still remember the first time I made it and how impressed my family was by something so simple tasting so rich and delicious. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—once you try it, it might just become your new go-to comfort meal!