Easy 30-Minute Penne Alla Vodka (Creamy, Homemade Pink Sauce!)
The absolute best Easy 30-Minute Penne Alla Vodka recipe! Al dente pasta tossed in a rich, velvety pink tomato and cream sauce. Perfect weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 lb dry penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup plain vodka
- 14 oz crushed tomatoes
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup fresh basil torn
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, then add tomato paste and red pepper flakes, cooking 3 minutes until caramelized.
- Deglaze with vodka and simmer several minutes to cook off the alcohol.
- Add crushed tomatoes and simmer 10-15 minutes until thickened.
- Boil penne until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Reduce sauce heat to low, stir in heavy cream, and warm gently without boiling.
- Toss drained pasta into the sauce with a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Top with parmesan and fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Caramelize the tomato paste for a full 3 minutes; this step builds essential depth of flavor.
- Always save at least 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining, since it helps bind the sauce to the pasta.
- Use freshly grated parmesan, not pre-shredded, for a smooth, clump-free sauce.