My first experience with Penne alla Vodka was cooking a “gourmet” meal for a group of college friends in our dorm’s basement kitchen. Penne noodles tossed in a crushed tomato cream sauce, it’s easy to make at home and positively decadent.
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Looking back at that culinary experience, I’m not sure which impresses me more: our resourcefulness (that dorm kitchen was equipped with little beyond a rusty pot and a few forks “donated” from the dining hall) or our audacity—we made vodka sauce on a campus that doesn’t allow vodka.
After one bite, we felt validated.
The pasta tasted creamy, glorious, and absolutely worth the risk!
When I think of meals that are “worth it” penne alla vodka is the epitome.
If you aren’t familiar with penne alla vodka or are wondering how to make a vodka sauce, it is a luxurious mix of crushed tomatoes and cream that you can cook quickly on your stovetop.
Tomatoes and cream rarely appear together in the same pasta sauce, for good reason: the acid in tomatoes can make cream curdle.
In penne vodka, however, they meld together to create something truly fabulous.
What Does the Vodka Do in Penne alla Vodka?
Contrary to what the name suggests, penne alla vodka does not taste like vodka.
Instead, the vodka acts as a flavor balancer. The alcohol burns off during cooking.
In vodka sauce, the vodka does three very important jobs.
- It keeps the cream from separating.
- It releases additional flavor from the tomatoes.
- As the vodka cooks down, it also adds a light bite to the sauce, balancing the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and cream.
This is culinary science at its most magnificent!
The high count of classic penne alla vodka calories typically puts it on the “special indulgence” list.
While that might be true of traditional recipes that use large amounts of heavy cream, today’s vodka sauce recipe uses a sneaky swap to turn it into a somewhat more healthy pasta that you can enjoy regularly.
Instead of cream, I use a reduced amount of half-and-half.
- Half-and-half is half milk/half cream (hence the name).
- With this swap, there is still enough cream to keep the sauce from breaking and make it taste rich.
Here’s my promise: you won’t feel like you are sacrificing in the least!
Like the other healthy twists on Italian favorites you’ll find here (Crock Pot Chicken Marsala, Garlic Shrimp Pasta, and Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore being but three of many healthy pasta recipes), this lightened-up penne alla vodka tastes like everything you are hoping for when you decide to make it in the first place: rich, full of flavor, and absolutely scrumptious.
How To Make Penne Alla Vodka
Don’t be fooled by this recipe’s simplicity.
Penne alla vodka is easy to make and the results are nothing short of spectacular!
The Ingredients
- Penne. I used whole wheat penne pasta, but any similar whole wheat pasta noodle will work well with this vodka sauce. Using whole wheat pasta helps add extra fiber to the dish.
- Vodka. There is a reason it’s in the recipe’s title. While you can’t taste the vodka specifically, it plays a critical role in the sauce coming together cohesively and gives the pasta its signature taste. I promise it’s worth it!
- Crushed Tomatoes. The tomatoes blend seamlessly with the half-and-half for a richly flavored sauce.
- Half-and-Half. Instead of making penne sauce with cream, I opted for half-and-half. This slims the recipe down, while keeping it satisfying.
- Parmesan. While optional, I love adding cheesy flavor to my penne vodka.
- Fresh Herbs. A shower of basil or parsley adds a nice touch of freshness and color.
The Directions
- Cook the onion, salt, and pepper in oil. Add the garlic.
- Pour in the vodka, scraping along the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Let cook until reduced by half.
- Add the tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Let simmer until thickened. Stir in the half-and-half.
- Cook the pasta, reserve some of the cooking liquid, then add to the sauce.
- Toss to coat, adding pasta water as needed. Stir in the Parmesan cheese. ENJOY!
Wine Pairing
Pair this penne alla vodka with Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, or Chianti.
Recipe Variations
- Penne alla Vodka with Chicken. Prior to sautéing the onion, sauté 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs until cooked through; remove to a plate, then add with the pasta at the end.
- Penne alla Vodka with Vegetables. Stir steamed broccoli, Roasted Broccoli, or Sauteed Mushrooms into the pasta at the end. Or, stir in a few handfuls of chopped spinach leaves just before serving, allowing the heat of the pasta to wilt the leaves.
- Penne alla Vodka with Shrimp. Prior to sautéing the onion, sauté 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp; remove to a plate, then add with the pasta at the end.
- Penne alla Vodka with Pancetta, Prosciutto, or Bacon. Take penne alla vodka to the next level. Sauté 4 ounces of diced pancetta, prosciutto, or bacon with the garlic and onion.
- Penne alla Vodka with Sausage. Prior to sautéing the onion, brown 1 pound of crumbled or chopped Italian sausage (removed from its casing). To keep the recipe on the healthy side, use chicken or turkey sausage. Add to the pasta at the end.
- Spicy Penne alla Vodka. Add a pinch (or a few!) of crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
Storage Tips
This easy pasta makes a big batch and reheats well, so it’s a great recipe to cook at the beginning of the week, then keep on hand for fast, healthy meals all week long.
- To Store. Refrigerate leftover penne vodka in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat. Gently rewarm leftovers in a Dutch oven on the stovetop over medium-low heat, splashing in broth, milk, or water as needed to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat this recipe in the microwave.
- To Freeze. Freeze penne alla vodka in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What to Serve with Penne Alla Vodka
- Salad. A green salad, such as this Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad always goes well with pasta and vodka sauce.
- Vegetables. Either Roasted Brussels Sprouts or Roasted Frozen Broccoli would be delicious as a side dish.
- Bread. Don’t let any of the scrumptious vodka sauce go to waste! Sop it up with a crusty loaf of your favorite bread (we love this Rosemary Olive Oil Bread and No Knead Focaccia).
- Italian Appetizers. Begin the meal with a tasty appetizer such as Mozzarella Sticks to complement the pasta.
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
- Dutch Oven. A worthwhile investment piece. It’s great for making Chicken Cacciatore or pasta dishes like this one (and all of these).
- Wooden Spoon. Great for stirring and scraping.
- Colander. Perfect for draining the pasta noodles.
High-Quality Dutch Oven
A Dutch oven is one of the most versatile, useful, and long-lasting tools you can have in your kitchen. This one is beautiful and heavy-duty!
Frequently Asked Questions
For a vegan vodka sauce without cream or half-and-half, see my Dairy Free Penne Alla Vodka.
Bulk up your leftovers by adding Air Fryer Zucchini, Roasted Red Peppers, or Roasted Tomatoes. You can also add diced Pan Fried Chicken Breast or Air Fryer Shrimp for protein.
Penne Alla Vodka
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Ingredients
- ¾ cup vodka
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 pound whole wheat penne or similar whole wheat pasta
- 1 cup half-and-half
- ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan
- Thinly sliced fresh basil or chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for cooking the pasta. Measure the vodka and keep it near the stove.
- In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Once it is hot and shimmering, add the onion, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the onion begins to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Carefully add the vodka (be especially cautious if your stove has an open flame). Scrape with a wooden spoon or spatula to deglaze the pan, then let the vodka cook until reduced by half, about 3 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring this sauce to a steady simmer, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Adjust the heat as needed so that the sauce simmers gently so it continues to reduce but does not bubble aggressively. Let simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes. Stir in the half-and-half and let simmer 5 minutes more.
- While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta in the boiling water to al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking liquid, then drain the pasta and immediately add it to the sauce.
- Toss to coat the pasta, adding a bit of the pasta cooking liquid to loosen the sauce as needed. Stir in the Parmesan. Serve hot, sprinkled with basil or parsley.
Video
Notes
- TO STORE: Refrigerate leftover penne vodka in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days.
- TO REHEAT: Gently rewarm leftovers in a Dutch oven on the stovetop over medium-low heat, splashing in broth, milk, or water as needed to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat this recipe in the microwave.
- TO FREEZE: Freeze penne alla vodka in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition
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Love this version so much!
This looks awesome Erin- perfect easy dinner for heading back to school, the kids will love it!
I hope you all do Heather, thank you!
This is penne alla vodka done right, and you made it dairy free!! So delicious!
Thanks Joanne!!!
Loving this makeover, Erin! I rarely indulge in vodka sauce because I know how many calories it packs. Yikes. Definitely puts me over the edge! But this lighter version is perfect! Using almonds and almond milk is so smart!
Thanks Liz! I’m loving how decadent it tastes while being a lighter option!!
Such a genius idea to use almond milk for the sauce.
I’m so intrigued with the addition of almond milk!. I have to try this soon.
It’s a game changer Melissa. I hope you love it!
Looks incredible! Can’t wait to make it!
I’ve never tried making a homemade vodka pasta sauce before…this looks delicious!! :)
So easy and SO GOOD. I hope you love the recipe!
Looks like a perfect weeknight meal!
Thank you Toni!!
I gotta try this with the almond milk. I have people over that can’t enjoy dairy.
Stephanie, it is such a great trick!
I am so in love with vodka sauce. It’s one of my all time favorite pasta sauces. I’ve never thought to make it with almond milk – totally need to try this as I still haven’t met my summer goal weight (LOL summer is almost over).
New season, new recipe, new goal! :) Thanks Danielle. I am sure you are doing great!
My favorite- I love that it’s made with almond milk!
Me too, thank you Lori!
Can’t stop drooling!
I love Almond Breeze almond milk! It really does taste the best and I can’t wait to try cooking with it! Especially in your pasta sauce, which sounds so delicious :)
It’s my favorite too Cindy! Thanks so much, and I hope you love the recipe!
Such a classic – so good!
I really don’t frequently consider using almond-milk in savory recipes…they all look yummy even however!
Stephanie, it’s a game changer! I hope you love the recipe!
Hi there – so you boil the almonds after you soak them?
Niala, no boiling! Just soak and add.
Made this for dinner tonight and my entire family loved it! Can’t wait to make it again! Thanks Erin❤️☘️?
Hooray, Kathryn! I’m glad to hear it was a hit!
Do you have to use whole almonds for this or can you use sliced? I happen to have sliced on hand.
Lauren, I think sliced would be fine! I hope you love the recipe!
I couldn’t even read the post because of the amount of ads you put up. Very disappointed.
Hi Venio, thanks your honest feedback. The number of ads on my site is something I am constantly evaluating and rethinking. As much as I would love to remove ads entirely or even run just one or two, as I am sure you know, I am dependent on ads to generate an income and to keep my content free for you and all of my other wonderful readers to access. It is very important to me that the ads be VERY easy to close, so any time there is any sort of pop up, you’ll always see an “X” or “Close” feature to remove it. (And if you ever can’t close one, please let me know so I can look into it right away!)
Do you think you could sub white wine for vodka? Don’t have any on hand right now. Thanks, can’t wait to try!!
Hi Margaret! I haven’t tried it myself, but you could certainly experiment. The flavor will be different since vodka is much more neutral. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it goes!
WOW. I am unbelievably shocked at how easy and delicious this recipe was. My husband and I are slowly transitioning omnivores to vegans, and a big issue for us was losing the creamy sauces that we enjoy so much. This. Sauce. Is. Incredible. Why didn’t I think of ground almonds?! We had already used almond milk in recipes before but was missing the creamy aspect. Made this in a jiff and had plenty leftover. Used tomatoes that I had already instead of the can. Substituted veges (artichokes, peas, broccoli) for chicken and it was delicious. Also super filling without feeling terrible, AND nutritious ! Normally I don’t write reviews but I just love this sauce so much I had to. Will be using the almond paste to attempt an Alfredo sauce. Recommending to everyone I know! Thanks ❤️
This makes my day, Jessica! I’m so happy to hear that this recipe was a hit! Thank you for taking the time to share this kind review!
I happen to have some raw cashews, so think I’ll try this with the cashews blended into the almond milk. Also my almond milk has coconut as well, making it creamier. I’ll post after I make it and let you know how it worked.
Thank you, Cheryl! I hope you love the recipe!
I made this tonight for my son and husband and both had no idea anything was any different then what they are used to eating when we go out!!! A wonderful addition to our rotation. Thank you Erin!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Beth! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
We are dairy lovers, so do not buy almond milk. But I like the reduced fat here. Do you think this would work with skim milk and almonds?
Hi Barbara! I’ve only tested the recipe as written, so it would be an experiment. If you decide to play around with it, I’d love to hear how it goes!
Oh so yummy! Love this and it was enough for 2 meals for us as there is just 2 of us in the house. Thanks for all your great recipes.
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Becky! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Unfortunately, my family and I did not enjoy this recipe. The sauce flavor was bland, but spicy and overall the dish had an odd flavor. We have liked some of your other recipes, but we will not be repeating this one.
I’m sorry to hear that this dish wasn’t to your tastes, Kristen. I know it’s frustrating to try a new recipe and not have it turn out as expected, so I truly wish you would’ve enjoyed it!
This is delicious! We added some extra oregano and basil at the end, to help it taste less sweet and more flavorful. Also, we were stressed when the almond mixture was still liquidy out of the blender, but by the time we got to the step of adding it to the sauce it was more paste-like as described in the recipe. Not too difficult and very very good!
Hi Jessica! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Meh this was fine but didn’t have the same flavor or consistency of more traditional recipes. We eat vodka sauce so infrequently I’d rather have the full fat recipe.
I’m sorry this recipe wasn’t to your tastes, Gabby. I (and many other readers) have truly enjoyed it, so I wish you would’ve too!
Could you use light or fat free half and half or fat free Greek yogurt?
That should work! Enjoy Cathy!