Penne Alla Vodka Recipe

Boil pasta

Bring 6 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt. Add 12 oz penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente (typically 10–12 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Sweat aromatics

In a large heavy skillet or sauté pan over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. When butter melts and oil shimmers, add 1 cup finely diced onion and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent and soft but not browned, about 6–8 minutes. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes and cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant.

Develop tomato base

Add 2 tablespoons tomato paste to the pan. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1–2 minutes until the paste darkens slightly and loses its raw edge.

Deglaze with vodka

Carefully add 1 cup vodka (stand back as it may flame briefly). Stir and let the vodka reduce over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes until it has mostly evaporated and the mixture is slightly syrupy—this cooks off much of the alcohol while concentrating flavor.

Add tomatoes and simmer

Pour in 28 oz crushed tomatoes, stir to combine. Add 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently, uncovered, for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors marry.

Finish with cream and cheese

Lower heat to low. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream until fully incorporated and the sauce becomes a uniform pink color. Add 1 cup grated Parmesan and stir until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Stir in sliced basil leaves, reserving a few for garnish.

Combine pasta and sauce

Add the drained penne to the sauce in the pan. Toss to combine, adding up to 1 cup reserved pasta cooking water as needed to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly. Cook together for 1–2 minutes so pasta absorbs sauce and everything is heated through.

Serve

Divide between 4 plates or bowls. Garnish with remaining basil and an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Serve immediately.